Home › Compare › Albuquerque, NM vs Virginia Beach, VA

Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Virginia Beach, VA

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

10.9% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
22.7% 22.7% more expensive housing
3.1% 3.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.7% more
Albuquerque
88
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 3.1% more
Albuquerque
96
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Albuquerque
96
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% more
Albuquerque
92
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Albuquerque
96
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Albuquerque, NM Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index9210210.9% more
Housing8810822.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,35028.6% more
Median Home Price$280,000$340,00021.4% more
Groceries96993.1% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92986.5% more
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Albuquerque, NM Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax5.90% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.67%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Virginia Beach outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Albuquerque (92) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Albuquerque4.5%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Albuquerque2.0%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Albuquerque22 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Albuquerque36
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Albuquerque42
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Albuquerque57°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Albuquerque564,559
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albuquerque or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Albuquerque and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Albuquerque or Virginia Beach?+
New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Albuquerque is $58,000 compared to $76,000 in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Albuquerque is $280,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: New Mexico averages 0.67% while Virginia averages 0.74%.