Home › Compare › Washington, DC vs Albuquerque, NM

Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

29.2% Albuquerque, NM is cheaper overall
45.7% 45.7% 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 45.7% cheaper
Washington
162
Albuquerque
88
🛒 Groceries 11.1% cheaper
Washington
108
Albuquerque
96
🚗 Transportation 21.3% cheaper
Washington
122
Albuquerque
96
🏥 Healthcare 16.4% cheaper
Washington
110
Albuquerque
92
⚡ Utilities 8.6% cheaper
Washington
105
Albuquerque
96

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Albuquerque, NM Difference
Overall Cost Index1309229.2% less
Housing1628845.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,05052.3% less
Median Home Price$620,000$280,00054.8% less
Groceries1089611.1% less
Transportation1229621.3% less
Healthcare1109216.4% less
Utilities105968.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Albuquerque, NM
State Income Tax10.75% (top)5.90% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.67%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Albuquerque (92). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Albuquerque4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Albuquerque2.0%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
AlbuquerqueGovernment, Defense, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Albuquerque22 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Albuquerque36
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Albuquerque42
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Albuquerque57°F
Population
Washington689,545
Albuquerque564,559

Moving from Washington to Albuquerque?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 45.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Albuquerque?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,050/month in Albuquerque — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Albuquerque?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Albuquerque?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Albuquerque?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $280,000 in Albuquerque — a difference of $340,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while New Mexico averages 0.67%.