Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Albuquerque is 3% more affordable than Cheyenne. A $75,000 salary in Cheyenne is equivalent to $72,632 in Albuquerque.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · Wyoming salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Albuquerque has a housing index of 80 while Cheyenne sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $280,000 in Cheyenne, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $1,100 in Cheyenne.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Cheyenne scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are lower than Cheyenne (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $57,834 in Cheyenne. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Albuquerque.
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