Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

6.1% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
15.4% 15.4% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 15.4% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Raleigh
96
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 8.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index98926.1% less
Housing1048815.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$385,000$280,00027.3% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation9696~Same
Healthcare100928.0% less
Utilities9896~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax4.50%5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 15.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Albuquerque?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.