Median rent is 34% lower in Albuquerque ($1,085/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albuquerque, where the median home runs $266,700 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $65,604 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.4 against 98.8 — about 6% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Albuquerque is 6% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.4 in Albuquerque vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$79,365
You'd need $4,365 more (6% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albuquerque
New Mexico
Austin
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Albuquerque — median rent of $1,085/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $266,700 in Albuquerque — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New Mexico tops out at 5.90% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.88% in New Mexico and 6.25% in Texas; Albuquerque has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albuquerque
Income tax: 5.90%
Sales tax: 4.88%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Albuquerque has cleaner air on average: 43.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.4 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,085/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Austin?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.4 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 6% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Austin?
Median rent is $1,085/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Austin?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque, NM and $91,461 in Austin, TX. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Albuquerque, NM has better air quality on average: 43.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. New Mexico has a top rate of 5.90%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $105,821 in Austin, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology