Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

19.3% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
36.2% 36.2% cheaper housing
6.8% 6.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.2% cheaper
Portland
138
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 6.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 11.1% cheaper
Portland
108
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 14.0% cheaper
Portland
107
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 9.1% more
Portland
88
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1149219.3% less
Housing1388836.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,05032.3% less
Median Home Price$485,000$280,00042.3% less
Groceries103966.8% less
Transportation1089611.1% less
Healthcare1079214.0% less
Utilities88969.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax8.75% (top)5.90% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Portland652,503
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland 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 36.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Albuquerque?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $205,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.