Home › Compare › Jacksonville, FL vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL 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.

4.2% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
10.2% 10.2% 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 10.2% cheaper
Jacksonville
98
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Jacksonville
97
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Jacksonville
92
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 5.9% cheaper
Jacksonville
102
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index96924.2% less
Housing988810.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,05019.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$280,0009.7% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare9292~Same
Utilities102965.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Albuquerque, NM
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
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 Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Albuquerque564,559

Moving from Jacksonville to Albuquerque?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 10.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Albuquerque?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Jacksonville to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 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 Jacksonville vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.