Is Albuquerque, NM cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Albuquerque, NM is 7.9% cheaper than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to saving $596 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $142,848.837 in Albuquerque, NM to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Albuquerque, NM is 18.0% cheaper than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Albuquerque, NM could save you approximately $596 per month, or $7151 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $596/month moving to Albuquerque, NM

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.8K in Albuquerque, NM

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$596

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.2K

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$414K

Albuquerque, NM

Population:565K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$337K

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Albuquerque, NM

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Albuquerque, NM	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,287/mo	↓ $502less	18.0%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,339/mo	↓ $150less	10.1%
All Utilities	$561/mo	$503/mo	↓ $58.47less	10.4%
Other	$1,677/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $46.87more	2.8%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$545/mo	↓ $43.37less	7.4%
Groceries	$963/mo	$959/mo	↓ $4.00less	0.4%

Housing

↓ 18.0%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Difference

$502

less

Transportation

↓ 10.1%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Difference

$150

less

All Utilities

↓ 10.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Difference

$58.47

less

Other

↑ 2.8%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Difference

$46.87

Healthcare

↓ 7.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Difference

$43.37

less

Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Difference

$4.00

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,390

To$1,030

↓ $360

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,205

↓ $305

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,490

↓ $260

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,070

↓ $260

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$7,357

Monthly in Albuquerque, NM

$711

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Albuquerque

$414K

Median Value

$337K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$242K - $734K

Homes in Albuquerque are 19% less expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Albuquerque

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$153

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

Phoenix, 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

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

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.