Is Albuquerque, NM cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Albuquerque, NM is 1.6% cheaper than Houston, TX. This translates to saving $117 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $148,601.036 in Albuquerque, NM to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Albuquerque, NM is 4.4% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Moving from Houston, TX to Albuquerque, NM could save you approximately $117 per month, or $1399 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Houston, 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 Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $117/month moving to Albuquerque, NM

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.6K in Albuquerque, NM

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$117

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$245K

Albuquerque, NM

Population:565K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$337K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Albuquerque, NM

Category	Houston, TX	Albuquerque, NM	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,339/mo	↓ $111less	7.6%
Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,287/mo	↑ $96.15more	4.4%
All Utilities	$552/mo	$503/mo	↓ $49.72less	9.0%
Groceries	$911/mo	$959/mo	↑ $47.96more	5.3%
Other	$1,768/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $43.52less	2.5%
Healthcare	$562/mo	$545/mo	↓ $16.73less	3.0%

Transportation

↓ 7.6%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Difference

$111

less

Housing

↑ 4.4%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Difference

$96.15

All Utilities

↓ 9.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Difference

$49.72

less

Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Houston, TX

$911

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Difference

$47.96

Other

↓ 2.5%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Difference

$43.52

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.0%

Houston, TX

$562

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Difference

$16.73

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,030

↓ $190

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,205

↓ $55.00

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,490

↓ $10.00

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,070

↑ $50.00

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,357

Monthly in Albuquerque, NM

$76.51

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Albuquerque

$245K

Median Value

$337K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$242K - $734K

Homes in Albuquerque are 37% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

Houston, 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

Houston, 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.