Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

31.9% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
48.8% 48.8% cheaper housing
12.7% 12.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.8% cheaper
Boston
172
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 12.7% cheaper
Boston
110
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 18.6% cheaper
Boston
118
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 20.0% cheaper
Boston
115
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 14.3% cheaper
Boston
112
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1359231.9% less
Housing1728848.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,05059.6% less
Median Home Price$700,000$280,00060.0% less
Groceries1109612.7% less
Transportation1189618.6% less
Healthcare1159220.0% less
Utilities1129614.3% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax9.00% (top)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Boston675,647
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 48.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Albuquerque?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $420,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.