Median rent is 3% lower in Albuquerque ($1,145/mo vs $1,182/mo). Buying is cheaper in Lubbock, where the median home runs $212,400 versus $291,500. Households earn more in Albuquerque ($68,317 vs $60,895 a year). Taken together, Lubbock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.0 against 93.6 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Albuquerque, NM.
Cost of living verdict
Lubbock is 3% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.0 in Lubbock vs 93.6 in Albuquerque (US national average = 100)
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Lubbock, TX
How much would you need to earn in Lubbock, TX to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Lubbock, TX
$72,888
You could earn $2,112 less (3% lower) and break even.
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
Lubbock
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,145/mo in Albuquerque and $1,182/mo in Lubbock. Home buyers face a steeper market in Albuquerque: the median home is $291,500 versus $212,400 in Lubbock — 27% more expensive.
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
Lubbock
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Lubbock has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 28.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize higher median household income ($68,317/yr).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Lubbock?
Lubbock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.0 versus 93.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Lubbock.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Lubbock?
Median rent is $1,145/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,182/mo in Lubbock, TX. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Lubbock?
Median household income is $68,317 in Albuquerque, NM and $60,895 in Lubbock, TX. Albuquerque, NM 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?
Lubbock, TX has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 28.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Lubbock?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Lubbock to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $97,184 in Lubbock, 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
