Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

32.4% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
50.6% 50.6% cheaper housing
12.7% 12.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 12.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 23.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 17.9% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 8.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1369232.4% less
Housing1788850.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,05058.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$280,00068.2% less
Groceries1109612.7% less
Transportation1259623.2% less
Healthcare1129217.9% less
Utilities105968.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax13.30% (top)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Albuquerque vs Raleigh → Albuquerque vs Portland → Albuquerque vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles 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 50.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Albuquerque?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $600,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.