Median rent is 33% lower in Albuquerque ($1,145/mo vs $1,714/mo). Buying is cheaper in Albuquerque, where the median home runs $291,500 versus $382,500. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($92,968 vs $68,317 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.6 against 97.7 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Virginia Beach, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Albuquerque is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 93.6 in Albuquerque vs 97.7 in Virginia Beach (US national average = 100)
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, VA
$78,280
You'd need $3,280 more (4% higher).
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
Virginia Beach
Virginia
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Albuquerque — median rent of $1,145/mo versus $1,714/mo in Virginia Beach, a 33% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Virginia Beach: the median home is $382,500 versus $291,500 in Albuquerque — 24% 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
Virginia Beach
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Albuquerque has cleaner air on average: 28.0 AQI (Good) compared to 45.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.6 vs 97.7).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($92,968/yr).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 28.0).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Virginia Beach?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.6 versus 97.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,145/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $1,714/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rent by about 33%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $68,317 in Albuquerque, NM and $92,968 in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, VA 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: 28.0 AQI versus 45.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Virginia Beach?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $104,374 in Virginia Beach, VA (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
