Data last updated: August 2026

Austin, TXAlbuquerque, NM

You would need around 28.3% less money in Albuquerque, NM to maintain the same standard of living you have in Austin, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

28.3%

Albuquerque, NM is cheaper than Austin, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,963 USD
City B1,265 USD
Difference-35.6%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A284 USD
City B290 USD
Difference+2.1%

Average Net Salary

City A5,055 USD
City B3,998 USD
Difference-20.9%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Austin, TX to Albuquerque, NM? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM is 28.3% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Albuquerque, NM's center costs around 1,265 USD, which is a staggering 35.6% less than in Austin, TX. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Austin, TX and Albuquerque, NM is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Albuquerque, NM to maintain your current lifestyle in Austin, TX.

USD

You need in Albuquerque, NM

3,625 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Austin, TX to Albuquerque, NM and investing the 28% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.2 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Austin, TX budget to local Albuquerque, NM prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1265 USD
Groceries290 USD
Utilities & Internet270 USD

Investment Planner

You save 698 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Albuquerque, NM.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~117,264 USD in 10 years.