Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Tucson, AZ

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

1.1% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
4.5% 4.5% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 4.5% cheaper
Albuquerque
88
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Albuquerque
96
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Albuquerque
96
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Albuquerque
92
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 8.3% more
Albuquerque
96
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index9291~Same
Housing88844.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,0004.8% less
Median Home Price$280,000$270,0003.6% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare9292~Same
Utilities961048.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Tucson, AZ
State Income Tax5.90% (top)2.50%
State Sales Tax5.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Tucson542,629

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 4.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Tucson?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Tucson?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. 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 Tucson?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Arizona averages 0.51%.