Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Albuquerque is 16% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $63,303 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Albuquerque has a housing index of 80 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Albuquerque.
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