Is Albuquerque, NM cheaper than Dallas, TX?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Albuquerque, NM is 4.3% cheaper than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

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

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

Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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.

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$292K

Albuquerque, NM

Population:565K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$337K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Albuquerque, NM

Category	Dallas, 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%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Difference

$104

less

Healthcare

↓ 13.7%

Dallas, TX

$632

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Difference

$86.74

less

All Utilities

↓ 10.7%

Dallas, TX

$563

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Difference

$60.11

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Difference

$50.22

less

Transportation

↑ 3.2%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Difference

$40.98

Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Dallas, TX

$979

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,450

To$1,030

↓ $420

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,205

↓ $300

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,490

↓ $275

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$2,070

↓ $150

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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 Dallas, TX

$7,357

Monthly in Albuquerque, NM

$280

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Albuquerque

$292K

Median Value

$337K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$242K - $734K

Homes in Albuquerque are 15% more expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas 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

Dallas, 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

Dallas, 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.