Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Albuquerque is 12% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $66,346 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Albuquerque has a housing index of 80 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are lower than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Albuquerque.
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