Home › Compare › Indianapolis, IN vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN 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 more expensive overall
10.0% 10.0% more expensive housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.0% more
Indianapolis
80
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Indianapolis
95
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Indianapolis
98
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% cheaper
Indianapolis
96
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Indianapolis
97
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Indianapolis, IN Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index9192~Same
Housing808810.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,050~Same
Median Home Price$230,000$280,00021.7% more
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare96924.2% less
Utilities9796~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Indianapolis, IN Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax3.05%5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.75%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
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 Indianapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Indianapolis (91) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Indianapolis3.9%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Indianapolis2.6%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Indianapolis24 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Indianapolis31
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Indianapolis42
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Indianapolis53°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Indianapolis887,642
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Indianapolis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Indianapolis or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?+
Indianapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Indianapolis vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Indianapolis and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Indianapolis or Albuquerque?+
Indiana has a state income tax of 3.05% and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Indianapolis to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Indianapolis is $60,000 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 Indianapolis vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Indianapolis is $230,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Indiana averages 0.75% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.