Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Albuquerque, NM?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 6.3% cheaper than Albuquerque, NM. This translates to saving $474 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Albuquerque, NM?

If you earn $150,000 in Albuquerque, NM, you'd need approximately $144,315.789 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Albuquerque, NM and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 14.8% cheaper than in Albuquerque, NM. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM.

How much can I save per month by moving from Albuquerque, NM to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $474 per month, or $5684 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Albuquerque, NM vs Pittsburgh, PA: 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 save $474/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$474

Savings

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

Median Home:$337K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:94

Albuquerque, NM

The Land of Enchantment

565K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Albuquerque, NM vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Albuquerque, NM	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $338less	14.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,339/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $123less	9.2%
📦Other	$1,724/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $117less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$503/mo	$607/mo	↑ $104more	20.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$989/mo	↑ $29.98more	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$545/mo	$527/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.8%

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$338

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.2%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↓ 6.8%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.7%

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$104

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$29.98

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.4%

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$18.59

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

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$750

↓ $280

1 Bed

From$1,205

To$850

↓ $355

2 Bed

From$1,490

To$1,050

↓ $440

3 Bed

From$2,070

To$1,400

↓ $670

Albuquerque, NMZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,780/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

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$463

Difference

Home Values

Albuquerque

Pittsburgh

$337K

Median Value

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

$242K - $734K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Albuquerque

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$205

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Albuquerque, NM Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.6%

Property Tax:0.8%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.