Median rent is 11% lower in Albuquerque ($1,085/mo vs $1,221/mo). Buying is cheaper in Pittsburgh, where the median home runs $193,200 versus $266,700. Households earn more in Albuquerque ($65,604 vs $64,137 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 Albuquerque, NM.
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Pittsburgh, PA
How much would you need to earn in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Pittsburgh, PA
$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
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Albuquerque at $1,085/mo compared to $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Albuquerque: the median home is $266,700 versus $193,200 in Pittsburgh — 28% 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 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.88% in New Mexico and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Albuquerque has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albuquerque
Income tax: 5.90%
Sales tax: 4.88%
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Pittsburgh has cleaner air on average: 29.0 AQI (Good) compared to 43.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,085/mo median).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 29.0).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Pittsburgh?
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 Pittsburgh?
Median rent is $1,085/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque, NM and $64,137 in Pittsburgh, PA. 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?
Pittsburgh, PA has better air quality on average: 29.0 AQI versus 43.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Pittsburgh?
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA (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