Is Albuquerque, NM cheaper than Tucson, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Albuquerque, NM is 3.1% cheaper than Tucson, AZ. This translates to saving $230 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tucson, AZ, you'd need approximately $147,244.898 in Albuquerque, NM to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Albuquerque, NM is 0.0% cheaper than in Tucson, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,490/month in Albuquerque, NM compared to $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ.

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

Moving from Tucson, AZ to Albuquerque, NM could save you approximately $230 per month, or $2755 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tucson, 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 Tucson, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $230/month moving to Albuquerque, NM

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.2K in Albuquerque, NM

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tucson, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$230

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.8K

Per year

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

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$327K

Albuquerque, NM

Population:565K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$337K

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 548K residents.

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: Tucson, AZ vs Albuquerque, NM

Category	Tucson, AZ	Albuquerque, NM	Difference	Change
Other	$1,858/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $134less	7.2%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
Healthcare	$570/mo	$545/mo	↓ $24.78less	4.3%
All Utilities	$486/mo	$503/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.4%
Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,339/mo	↑ $13.66more	1.0%
Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,287/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↓ 7.2%

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Albuquerque, NM

$1,724

Difference

$134

less

Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Albuquerque, NM

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.3%

Tucson, AZ

$570

Albuquerque, NM

$545

Difference

$24.78

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.4%

Tucson, AZ

$486

Albuquerque, NM

$503

Difference

$16.39

Transportation

↑ 1.0%

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Albuquerque, NM

$1,339

Difference

$13.66

Housing

→ 0.0%

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Albuquerque, NM

$2,287

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,010

To$1,030

↑ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,205

↑ $75.00

2 Bed

From$1,460

To$1,490

↑ $30.00

3 Bed

From$2,030

To$2,070

↑ $40.00

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/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.

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$7,357

Monthly in Albuquerque, NM

$199

Difference

Home Values

Tucson

Albuquerque

$327K

Median Value

$337K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↑ +1.3%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.4%

$229K - $722K

Price Range

$242K - $734K

Homes in Albuquerque are 3% more expensive than Tucson

Calculate payment - Tucson 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

Tucson, 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

Tucson, 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.