Is Tucson, AZ cheaper than Albuquerque, NM?

Based on cost of living data, Tucson, AZ is 3.2% more expensive than Albuquerque, NM. This translates to spending an extra $237 per month.

What salary do I need in Tucson, AZ to live like I do in Albuquerque, NM?

If you earn $150,000 in Albuquerque, NM, you'd need approximately $152,842.105 in Tucson, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tucson, AZ?

Housing in Tucson, AZ is 0.0% cheaper than in Albuquerque, NM. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ compared to $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM.

How much can I save per month by moving from Albuquerque, NM to Tucson, AZ?

Living in Tucson, AZ costs approximately $237 more per month than Albuquerque, NM, or $2842 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Albuquerque, NM vs Tucson, AZ: 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 $237/month more in Tucson, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.8K in Tucson, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$237

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.8K

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

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$327K

Albuquerque, NM

The Land of Enchantment

565K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 548K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Albuquerque, NM vs Tucson, AZ

Category	Albuquerque, NM	Tucson, AZ	Difference	Change
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,858/mo	↑ $134more	7.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
Healthcare	$545/mo	$570/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.5%
All Utilities	$503/mo	$486/mo	↓ $16.39less	3.3%
Transportation	$1,339/mo	$1,325/mo	↓ $13.66less	1.0%
Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,287/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↑ 7.8%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Difference

$134

Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

Healthcare

↑ 4.5%

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Tucson, AZ

$570

Difference

$24.78

All Utilities

↓ 3.3%

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Tucson, AZ

$486

Difference

$16.39

less

Transportation

↓ 1.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Difference

$13.66

less

Housing

→ 0.0%

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,030

To$1,010

↓ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,205

To$1,130

↓ $75.00

2 Bed

From$1,490

To$1,460

↓ $30.00

3 Bed

From$2,070

To$2,030

↓ $40.00

Albuquerque, NMZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,780/mo

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/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

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$199

Difference

Home Values

Albuquerque

Tucson

$337K

Median Value

$327K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.6%

$242K - $734K

Price Range

$229K - $722K

Homes in Tucson are 3% less expensive than Albuquerque

Calculate payment - Albuquerque Calculate payment - Tucson

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$153

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

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

Tucson, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Albuquerque, NM Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.6%

Property Tax:0.8%

Tucson, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.