Home › Compare › Seattle, WA vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

25.8% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
43.6% 43.6% cheaper housing
11.1% 11.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 43.6% cheaper
Seattle
156
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 11.1% cheaper
Seattle
108
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 18.6% cheaper
Seattle
118
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 16.4% cheaper
Seattle
110
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 5.5% more
Seattle
91
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1249225.8% less
Housing1568843.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,05048.8% less
Median Home Price$780,000$280,00064.1% less
Groceries1089611.1% less
Transportation1189618.6% less
Healthcare1109216.4% less
Utilities91965.5% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Albuquerque, NM
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Albuquerque564,559

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 43.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $1,000 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Albuquerque?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $500,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.