Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Albuquerque is 14% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $64,486 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 Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are lower than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Albuquerque.
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