Home › Compare › Chicago, IL vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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
16.2% 16.2% cheaper housing
7.7% 7.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.2% cheaper
Chicago
105
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 7.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 15.8% cheaper
Chicago
114
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 10.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 5.0% cheaper
Chicago
101
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1079214.0% less
Housing1058816.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,05038.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$280,0009.7% less
Groceries104967.7% less
Transportation1149615.8% less
Healthcare1039210.7% less
Utilities101965.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax4.95%5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 16.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Albuquerque?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.