Home › Compare › Nashville, TN vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Nashville, 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.

7.1% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
18.5% 18.5% cheaper 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 18.5% cheaper
Nashville
108
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Nashville
95
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Nashville
99
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Nashville
93
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Nashville
97
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index99927.1% less
Housing1088818.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,05023.9% less
Median Home Price$395,000$280,00029.1% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation99963.0% less
Healthcare9392~Same
Utilities9796~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, 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

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville 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 Nashville vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $330 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville 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 Nashville to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 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%.