Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living
You'd spend $597/month more in Albuquerque, NM
$150.0K in your current city equals $157.2K in Albuquerque, NM
Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.
El Paso, TX
Albuquerque, NM
El Paso, TX
The Lone Star State
Located in Texas, this city has a population of 679K residents.
💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!
Albuquerque, NM
The Land of Enchantment
Located in New Mexico, this city has a population of 565K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: El Paso, TX vs Albuquerque, NM
| Category | El Paso, TX | Albuquerque, NM | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | $2,027/mo | $2,287/mo | ↑ $260more | 12.8% |
Transportation | $1,243/mo | $1,339/mo | ↑ $95.62more | 7.7% |
Other | $1,641/mo | $1,724/mo | ↑ $83.70more | 5.1% |
Healthcare | $502/mo | $545/mo | ↑ $43.37more | 8.6% |
Groceries | $939/mo | $959/mo | ↑ $19.99more | 2.1% |
All Utilities | $486/mo | $503/mo | ↑ $16.39more | 3.4% |
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $920–$1,330/mo
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.
Home Values
Homes in Albuquerque are 56% more expensive than El Paso
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
El Paso, TX
Albuquerque, NM
Additional Tax Information
El Paso, TX Tax Rates
Albuquerque, NM Tax Rates
💡 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.
Environment
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Texas and New Mexico on TaxTakeHome.com
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