Albuquerque, New Mexico has an overall cost of living index of 93.6, which is 6.4 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,145 per month, while the typical home is valued around $291,500. Households earn a median of $68,317 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 28. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$68,317
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,145
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$291,500
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
93.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,009
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,185
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,464
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,036
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
93.6
Goods
97.4
Rents / Housing
88.7
Services
77.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $121,630 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $95,660 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $66,420 |
| ⚡Electrician | $59,250 |
| 📊Accountant | $85,070 |
| 🔧Plumber | $63,660 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $304,780 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $106,810 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $123,220 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $64,390 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $144,790 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $53,410 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
562,218
Latest estimate
Median Age
38.8 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
28.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
54
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
N/A
Per month
Avg Home Value
N/A
Census ACS
January Avg
38°F
July Avg
79°F
Sunny Days / Year
328
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Dry/Arid · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
30.8
poor
Hospitals
8
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
91.4%
What is the cost of living index for Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 93.6. The US national average is 100, so Albuquerque is 6.4 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Albuquerque?
The median gross rent in Albuquerque is $1,145 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Albuquerque?
The median household income in Albuquerque is $68,317 per year.
What is the median home value in Albuquerque?
The median home value in Albuquerque is $291,500 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Albuquerque?
Tax data for New Mexico is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
