Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Austin, TX 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.

10.7% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
25.4% 25.4% 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 25.4% cheaper
Austin
118
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 5.2% cheaper
Austin
97
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 3.0% cheaper
Austin
99
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1039210.7% less
Housing1188825.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$425,000$280,00034.1% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare97925.2% less
Utilities99963.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Albuquerque, NM
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
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 Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Austin979,882
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin 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 25.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Albuquerque?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Austin to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 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 Austin vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.