Home › Compare › Minneapolis, MN vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN 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.

11.5% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
18.5% 18.5% 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 18.5% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 9.4% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Minneapolis
95
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1049211.5% less
Housing1088818.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$330,000$280,00015.2% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation106969.4% less
Healthcare100928.0% less
Utilities9596~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax9.85% (top)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
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 Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis 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 18.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Albuquerque?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Minneapolis to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 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 Minneapolis vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.