Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

17.9% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
33.3% 33.3% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 33.3% cheaper
Denver
132
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 8.6% cheaper
Denver
105
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 11.5% cheaper
Denver
104
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Denver
96
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1129217.9% less
Housing1328833.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,05035.2% less
Median Home Price$540,000$280,00048.1% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation105968.6% less
Healthcare1049211.5% less
Utilities9696~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax4.40%5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Denver713,252
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 33.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $570 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Albuquerque?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $260,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.