Home › Compare › Dallas, TX vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

9.8% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
18.5% 18.5% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.5% cheaper
Dallas
108
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Dallas
97
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 5.0% cheaper
Dallas
101
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 6.1% cheaper
Dallas
98
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 7.7% cheaper
Dallas
104
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index102929.8% less
Housing1088818.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,05025.0% less
Median Home Price$340,000$280,00017.6% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation101965.0% less
Healthcare98926.1% less
Utilities104967.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas 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 18.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.