Home › Compare › Atlanta, GA vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Albuquerque, NM

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

14.0% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
22.8% 22.8% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.8% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 11.9% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 9.8% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 3.0% cheaper
Atlanta
99
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1079214.0% less
Housing1148822.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,05036.4% less
Median Home Price$380,000$280,00026.3% less
Groceries102965.9% less
Transportation1099611.9% less
Healthcare102929.8% less
Utilities99963.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax5.39%5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?+
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Albuquerque?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. New Mexico has a state income tax of 5.90% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. 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 Atlanta to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $58,000 in Albuquerque. 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 Atlanta vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.