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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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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:
92
(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

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
more
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

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.

Environment

Phoenix
Albuquerque
77 Moderate
Air Quality
61 Moderate
9%
Good Air Days
27.3%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
94 High
🔥🌊🌡
Top Hazards
🌊
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
162 days
Heat Days >95°F
63 days
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
162 days
Heat Days >95°F
63 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Arizona and New Mexico on TaxTakeHome.com

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