Home › Compare › Philadelphia, PA vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

14.8% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
20.0% 20.0% cheaper housing
9.4% 9.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.0% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 9.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 14.3% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 12.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 11.1% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1089214.8% less
Housing1108820.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,05030.0% less
Median Home Price$280,000$280,000~Same
Groceries106969.4% less
Transportation1129614.3% less
Healthcare1059212.4% less
Utilities1089611.1% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax3.07%5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 20.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Albuquerque?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $0. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.