Albuquerque vs Hampton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Albuquerque
Hampton
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 4.5%, with Hampton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Albuquerque has equivalent purchasing power to $71,739 in Hampton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Albuquerque has the same purchasing power as $71,739 in Hampton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Hampton equals $78,409 in Albuquerque.
Living in Albuquerque vs Hampton
Housing Costs
Albuquerque's housing index of 80 is lower Hampton's 102, translating to median home prices of $260,000 vs $243,000. The $17,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,104 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,100/mo in Albuquerque compared to $1,175/mo in Hampton, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 97 in Albuquerque and 94 in Hampton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Albuquerque vs $447/month in Hampton. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 95 in Albuquerque and 102 in Hampton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $380 in Albuquerque vs $408 in Hampton. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 94 in Albuquerque and 106 in Hampton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $52,911 in Albuquerque and $59,400 in Hampton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,512 and $67,500 respectively. Hampton residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,235/month to housing in Albuquerque vs $1,386/month in Hampton. In Albuquerque, median rent of $1,100/mo fits within this budget. In Hampton, median rent of $1,175/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 22 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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