Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Albuquerque is 4% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $71,875 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 · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Albuquerque has a housing index of 80 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Columbia scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are lower than Columbia (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Albuquerque.
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