Median rent is 31% lower in Albuquerque ($1,145/mo vs $1,654/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albuquerque, where the median home runs $291,500 versus $339,400. Households earn more in New Braunfels ($86,021 vs $68,317 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.6 against 94.3 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New Braunfels, TX.
Quick verdict
Albuquerque is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.6 in Albuquerque vs 94.3 in New Braunfels (US average = 100)
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
New Braunfels, TX
How much would you need to earn in New Braunfels, TX to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in New Braunfels, TX
$75,562
You'd need $562 more (1% 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
New Braunfels
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 $1,145/mo versus $1,654/mo in New Braunfels, a 31% difference. Median home values are within 14% of each other: $291,500 in Albuquerque and $339,400 in New Braunfels.
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
New Braunfels
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Albuquerque (avg AQI 28.0) but not yet for New Braunfels.
Pick New Braunfels if you prioritize higher median household income ($86,021/yr).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than New Braunfels?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.6 versus 94.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs New Braunfels?
Median rent is $1,145/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,654/mo in New Braunfels, TX. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or New Braunfels?
Median household income is $68,317 in Albuquerque, NM and $86,021 in New Braunfels, TX. New Braunfels, 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 New Braunfels?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in New Braunfels to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $100,749 in New Braunfels, 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
