Is Austin, TX cheaper than Albuquerque, NM?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 8.4% more expensive than Albuquerque, NM. This translates to spending an extra $632 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Albuquerque, NM, you'd need approximately $157,578.947 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 26.1% more expensive than in Albuquerque, NM. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $632 more per month than Albuquerque, NM, or $7579 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Albuquerque, NM

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $632/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.6K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$632

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.6K

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

Median Home:$337K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:108

Median Home:$558K

Albuquerque, NM

The Land of Enchantment

565K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Albuquerque, NM vs Austin, TX

Category	Albuquerque, NM	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $598more	26.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,339/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $54.64less	4.1%
🏥Healthcare	$545/mo	$589/mo	↑ $43.37more	8.0%
⚡All Utilities	$503/mo	$541/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.6%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.1%

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$598

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.1%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$54.64

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.37

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.6%

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$38.25

📦Other

↑ 1.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$16.74

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,030

To$1,585

↑ $555

1 Bed

From$1,205

To$1,685

↑ $480

2 Bed

From$1,490

To$1,995

↑ $505

3 Bed

From$2,070

To$2,525

↑ $455

Albuquerque, NMZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,780/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$641

Difference

Home Values

Albuquerque

Austin

$337K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$242K - $734K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 65% more expensive than Albuquerque

Calculate payment - Albuquerque Calculate payment - Austin

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

Austin, 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%

Austin, 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.