Is Arlington, TX cheaper than Albuquerque, NM?

Based on cost of living data, Arlington, TX is 6.3% more expensive than Albuquerque, NM. This translates to spending an extra $474 per month.

What salary do I need in Arlington, TX to live like I do in Albuquerque, NM?

If you earn $150,000 in Albuquerque, NM, you'd need approximately $155,684.211 in Arlington, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Albuquerque, NM and Arlington, TX?

Housing in Arlington, TX is 4.5% more expensive than in Albuquerque, NM. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,795/month in Arlington, TX compared to $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM.

How much can I save per month by moving from Albuquerque, NM to Arlington, TX?

Living in Arlington, TX costs approximately $474 more per month than Albuquerque, NM, or $5684 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Albuquerque, NM vs Arlington, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Albuquerque, NM

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $474/month more in Arlington, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.7K in Arlington, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Albuquerque, NM area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$474

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Albuquerque, NM

Population:565K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$337K

Arlington, TX

Population:394K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$292K

Albuquerque, NM

The Land of Enchantment

565K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Mexico, this city has a population of 565K residents.

Arlington, TX

The Lone Star State

394K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 394K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Albuquerque, NM vs Arlington, TX

Category	Albuquerque, NM	Arlington, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $104more	4.5%
Healthcare	$545/mo	$632/mo	↑ $86.74more	15.9%
All Utilities	$503/mo	$563/mo	↑ $60.11more	12.0%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
Transportation	$1,339/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $40.98less	3.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%

Housing

↑ 4.5%

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Arlington, TX

$2,391

Difference

$104

Healthcare

↑ 15.9%

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Arlington, TX

$632

Difference

$86.74

All Utilities

↑ 12.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Arlington, TX

$563

Difference

$60.11

Other

↑ 2.9%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Arlington, TX

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

Transportation

↓ 3.1%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Arlington, TX

$1,298

Difference

$40.98

less

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Arlington, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,030

To$1,485

↑ $455

1 Bed

From$1,205

To$1,535

↑ $330

2 Bed

From$1,490

To$1,795

↑ $305

3 Bed

From$2,070

To$2,370

↑ $300

Albuquerque, NMZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,780/mo

Arlington, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$1,920/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,357

Monthly in Albuquerque, NM

$7,637

Monthly in Arlington, TX

$280

Difference

Home Values

Albuquerque

Arlington

$337K

Median Value

$292K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.8%

$242K - $734K

Price Range

$226K - $376K

Homes in Arlington are 13% less expensive than Albuquerque

Calculate payment - Albuquerque Calculate payment - Arlington

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$589

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Albuquerque, NM

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Mexico State Tax

Effective: 4.7%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,826/month

$105.9K

Arlington, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Albuquerque, NM Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.6%

Property Tax:0.8%

Arlington, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.