Median rent is 51% lower in Albuquerque ($1,085/mo vs $2,201/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albuquerque, where the median home runs $266,700 versus $583,100. Households earn more in Pittsburg ($101,099 vs $65,604 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.4 against 93.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Pittsburg, CA.
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Pittsburg, CA
How much would you need to earn in Pittsburg, CA to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Pittsburg, CA
$75,284
You'd need $284 more (0% 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
Pittsburg
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 $2,201/mo in Pittsburg, a 51% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Pittsburg: the median home is $583,100 versus $266,700 in Albuquerque — 54% 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%
Pittsburg
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Albuquerque (avg AQI 43.0) but not yet for Pittsburg.
Pick Pittsburg if you prioritize higher median household income ($101,099/yr).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,085/mo median).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.90%).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Pittsburg?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.4 versus 93.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Pittsburg?
Median rent is $1,085/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $2,201/mo in Pittsburg, CA. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 51%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Pittsburg?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque, NM and $101,099 in Pittsburg, CA. Pittsburg, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Pittsburg?
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 Pittsburg to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $100,378 in Pittsburg, 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