Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Albuquerque, NM?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 5.3% cheaper than Albuquerque, NM. This translates to saving $395 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Albuquerque, NM?

If you earn $150,000 in Albuquerque, NM, you'd need approximately $145,263.158 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Albuquerque, NM and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 10.2% cheaper than in Albuquerque, NM. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM.

How much can I save per month by moving from Albuquerque, NM to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $395 per month, or $4737 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Albuquerque, NM vs Columbus, OH: 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 save $395/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.3K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$395

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.7K

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

Median Home:$337K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$263K

Albuquerque, NM

The Land of Enchantment

565K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Albuquerque, NM vs Columbus, OH

Category	Albuquerque, NM	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $234less	10.2%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $167less	9.7%
🏥Healthcare	$545/mo	$607/mo	↑ $61.96more	11.4%
⚡All Utilities	$503/mo	$464/mo	↓ $38.25less	7.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,339/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $27.32more	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 10.2%

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$234

less

📦Other

↓ 9.7%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$167

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.4%

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$61.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.6%

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$38.25

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$27.32

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Albuquerque, NM has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,030

To$1,020

↓ $10.00

1 Bed

From$1,205

To$1,100

↓ $105

2 Bed

From$1,490

To$1,315

↓ $175

3 Bed

From$2,070

To$1,575

↓ $495

Albuquerque, NMZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,780/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/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

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$340

Difference

Home Values

Albuquerque

Columbus

$337K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$242K - $734K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 22% less expensive than Albuquerque

Calculate payment - Albuquerque Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$220

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

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

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Albuquerque, NM Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.6%

Property Tax:0.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.