Median rent is 39% lower in Albuquerque ($1,085/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albuquerque, where the median home runs $266,700 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $65,604 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.4 against 113.0 — about 17% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Albuquerque is 17% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.4 in Albuquerque vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$90,753
You'd need $15,753 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
New York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $266,700 in Albuquerque — 65% 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 10.90% in New York, so Albuquerque is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.88% in New Mexico and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albuquerque
Income tax: 5.90%
Sales tax: 4.88%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Albuquerque has cleaner air on average: 43.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 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 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/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 New York?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.4 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 17% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs New York?
Median rent is $1,085/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or New York?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque, NM and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or New York?
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% and New York's is 10.90%. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $121,003 in New York, NY (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