Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Albuquerque is 17% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $62,162 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Albuquerque has a housing index of 80 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are lower than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Albuquerque.
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