Is Denver, CO cheaper than Albuquerque, NM?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 15.8% more expensive than Albuquerque, NM. This translates to spending an extra $1184 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Albuquerque, NM?

If you earn $150,000 in Albuquerque, NM, you'd need approximately $164,210.526 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Albuquerque, NM and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 42.0% more expensive than in Albuquerque, NM. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM.

How much can I save per month by moving from Albuquerque, NM to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1184 more per month than Albuquerque, NM, or $14211 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Albuquerque, NM vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Albuquerque, NM

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.2K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 15.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,184

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$14.2K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:116

Median Home:$513K

Albuquerque, NM

The Land of Enchantment

565K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Albuquerque, NM vs Denver, CO

Category	Albuquerque, NM	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $962more	42.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,339/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $123more	9.2%
🏥Healthcare	$545/mo	$632/mo	↑ $86.74more	15.9%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$503/mo	$519/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 42.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$962

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.2%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$123

🏥Healthcare

↑ 15.9%

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$86.74

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

📦Other

↑ 2.9%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.3%

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$16.39

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

↑ $690

1 Bed

From$1,205

To$1,840

↑ $635

2 Bed

From$1,490

To$2,190

↑ $700

3 Bed

From$2,070

To$2,870

↑ $800

Albuquerque, NMZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,780/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,308

Difference

Home Values

Albuquerque

Denver

$337K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$242K - $734K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 52% more expensive than Albuquerque

Calculate payment - Albuquerque Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $471

Per year

Monthly Difference

$39.21

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Albuquerque, NM Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.6%

Property Tax:0.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.