Is Albuquerque, NM cheaper than Arlington, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Albuquerque, NM is 5.9% cheaper than Arlington, TX. This translates to saving $446 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Arlington, TX, you'd need approximately $144,653.465 in Albuquerque, NM to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Albuquerque, NM is 4.3% cheaper than in Arlington, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM compared to $1,795/month in Arlington, TX.

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

Moving from Arlington, TX to Albuquerque, NM could save you approximately $446 per month, or $5347 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Arlington, TX vs Albuquerque, NM: 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 Arlington, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $446/month moving to Albuquerque, NM

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.7K in Albuquerque, NM

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$446

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Arlington, TX

Population:394K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$292K

Albuquerque, NM

Population:565K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$337K

Arlington, TX

The Lone Star State

394K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 394K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Albuquerque, NM

The Land of Enchantment

565K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Arlington, TX vs Albuquerque, NM

Category	Arlington, TX	Albuquerque, NM	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,287/mo	↓ $104less	4.3%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$545/mo	↓ $86.74less	13.7%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$503/mo	↓ $60.11less	10.7%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,339/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.2%
Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%

Housing

↓ 4.3%

Arlington, TX

$2,391

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Difference

$104

less

Healthcare

↓ 13.7%

Arlington, TX

$632

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Difference

$86.74

less

All Utilities

↓ 10.7%

Arlington, TX

$563

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Difference

$60.11

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

Arlington, TX

$1,774

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Difference

$50.22

less

Transportation

↑ 3.2%

Arlington, TX

$1,298

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Difference

$40.98

Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Arlington, TX

$979

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,485

To$1,030

↓ $455

1 Bed

From$1,535

To$1,205

↓ $330

2 Bed

From$1,795

To$1,490

↓ $305

3 Bed

From$2,370

To$2,070

↓ $300

Arlington, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,330–$1,920/mo

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.

$7,637

Monthly in Arlington, TX

$7,357

Monthly in Albuquerque, NM

$280

Difference

Home Values

Arlington

Albuquerque

$292K

Median Value

$337K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +27.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$226K - $376K

Price Range

$242K - $734K

Homes in Albuquerque are 15% more expensive than Arlington

Calculate payment - Arlington Calculate payment - Albuquerque

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$589

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Arlington, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Arlington, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Albuquerque, NM Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.6%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.