Median rent is 24% lower in Albuquerque ($1,145/mo vs $1,509/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albuquerque, where the median home runs $291,500 versus $303,000. Households earn more in Fort Worth ($79,507 vs $68,317 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.6 against 102.5 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fort Worth, TX.
Cost of living verdict
Albuquerque is 9% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 93.6 in Albuquerque vs 102.5 in Fort Worth (US national average = 100)
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Fort Worth, TX
How much would you need to earn in Fort Worth, TX to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Fort Worth, TX
$82,100
You'd need $7,100 more (9% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Albuquerque
New Mexico
Fort Worth
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Albuquerque — median rent of $1,145/mo versus $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, a 24% difference. Median home values are within 4% of each other: $291,500 in Albuquerque and $303,000 in Fort Worth.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Albuquerque
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Albuquerque (avg AQI 28.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.6 vs 102.5).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,507/yr).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Fort Worth?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.6 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Fort Worth?
Median rent is $1,145/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $68,317 in Albuquerque, NM and $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX. Fort Worth, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Fort Worth?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $109,466 in Fort Worth, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
