Home › Compare › Columbus, OH vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Columbus, OH 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.

1.1% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
2.3% 2.3% more expensive 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 2.3% more
Columbus
86
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Columbus
96
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Columbus
98
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% cheaper
Columbus
94
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Columbus
95
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Columbus, OH Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index9392~Same
Housing86882.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,0504.5% less
Median Home Price$260,000$280,0007.7% more
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare94922.1% less
Utilities9596~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Columbus, OH Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax3.50% (top)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax5.75%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.41%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Columbus, OH
$64,000
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 Columbus lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Columbus (93) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Columbus3.8%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Columbus2.8%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Columbus23 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Columbus41
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Columbus40
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Columbus52°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Columbus905,748
Albuquerque564,559

Moving from Columbus to Albuquerque?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Columbus 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 Columbus 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 2.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Columbus and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Columbus or Albuquerque?+
Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Columbus is $64,000 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 Columbus vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Columbus is $260,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: Ohio averages 1.41% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.