Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Sacramento, CA

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Sacramento, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

28.3% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
61.4% 61.4% more expensive housing
8.3% 8.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 61.4% more
Albuquerque
88
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 8.3% more
Albuquerque
96
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 16.7% more
Albuquerque
96
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 17.4% more
Albuquerque
92
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Albuquerque
96
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9211828.3% more
Housing8814261.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,65057.1% more
Median Home Price$280,000$450,00060.7% more
Groceries961048.3% more
Transportation9611216.7% more
Healthcare9210817.4% more
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Sacramento, CA
State Income Tax5.90% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Sacramento to maintain your Albuquerque lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Sacramento524,943

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Albuquerque and Sacramento → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Sacramento →

Compare Other Cities

Albuquerque vs Austin → Albuquerque vs Denver → Albuquerque vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 61.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Sacramento?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Albuquerque to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Albuquerque vs Sacramento?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $170,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while California averages 0.71%.