Is Albuquerque expensive to live in?
Median income: $51,912. Median rent: $1,100. Median home price: $255,000.
Relocation guide · New Mexico
Moving to Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM city guide. Population is 564,559. Median household income is $51,912. Median rent is $1,100.
Median Rent
$1,100/mo
Median Income
$51,912
State Tax
5.9%
Population
564,559
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Albuquerque
Median income: $51,912. Median rent: $1,100. Median home price: $255,000.
Median Rent/mo
$1,100
Median Home Price
$255,000
Median Income
$51,912
Rent-to-Income
25%
Taxes
Your tax situation in New Mexico
State tax rate: 5.9%. Local tax rate: 7.88%.
State Income Tax
5.90%
Local Tax Rate
7.88%
Climate
Weather in Albuquerque
Average high: 70°F. Average low: 46°F. Annual rainfall: 10 inches. Sunny days: 278.
Avg High Temp
70°F
Avg Low Temp
46°F
Sunny Days/yr
278
Annual Rainfall
10"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Albuquerque
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Albuquerque with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Albuquerque
What is the average rent in Albuquerque?
The median rent in Albuquerque is $1,100/month. Median home price is $255,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does New Mexico have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 5.9%. Local tax rate: 7.88%.
What is Albuquerque known for?
Albuquerque, NM city guide. Population is 564,559. Median household income is $51,912. Median rent is $1,100.
What should I know before moving to Albuquerque?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Albuquerque has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.