Home › Compare › Memphis, TN vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

7.0% Albuquerque, NM is more expensive overall
25.7% 25.7% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.7% more
Memphis
70
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Memphis
92
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Memphis
96
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 2.2% more
Memphis
90
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Memphis
98
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index86927.0% more
Housing708825.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,05010.5% more
Median Home Price$165,000$280,00069.7% more
Groceries92964.3% more
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare90922.2% more
Utilities9896~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Albuquerque, NM
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Albuquerque, NM
$58,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Albuquerque outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Albuquerque to maintain your Memphis lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Albuquerque564,559

Moving from Memphis to Albuquerque?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 25.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Albuquerque?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Memphis to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.