Median rent is 42% lower in Albuquerque ($1,085/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albuquerque, where the median home runs $266,700 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $65,604 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.4 against 113.3 — about 18% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Albuquerque is 18% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.4 in Albuquerque vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$91,010
You'd need $16,010 more (21% 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
Los Angeles
California
👥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 $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 42% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $266,700 in Albuquerque — 70% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% versus 13.30% in California, so Albuquerque is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.88% in New Mexico and 7.25% in California; Albuquerque has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albuquerque
Income tax: 5.90%
Sales tax: 4.88%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Albuquerque has cleaner air on average: 43.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.4 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,085/mo median).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 43.0).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Los Angeles?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.4 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,085/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 42%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque, NM and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Los Angeles?
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% and California's is 13.30%. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $121,347 in Los Angeles, CA (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