Performance
Score Breakdown
Albuquerque
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
32% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Albuquerque's average rent is
40% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Albuquerque | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,180 | $1,951 | -40% |
| Groceries | $400 | $418 | -4% |
| Utilities | $220 | $294 | -25% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $92 | +63% |
| Monthly Total | $1,950 | $2,875 | -32% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Albuquerque offers 2% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Albuquerque delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Albuquerque is estimated at
$47,196 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | Albuquerque | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $77,000 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $47,196 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,615 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $68,317 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Albuquerque | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 44.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Albuquerque has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
Albuquerque scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Albuquerque | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 43.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 25.60 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Albuquerque is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Tampa.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tampa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Albuquerque | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 555,119 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Albuquerque
Advantages
The cost of living in Albuquerque is approximately 9.2% lower than the national average, making it an affordable city.
Albuquerque boasts a mild, dry climate with around 310 days of sunshine annually, ideal for outdoor activities.
Public transportation (ABQ RIDE) operates on a permanent Zero Fares program, offering free bus services since January 2022.
The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, including numerous museums and the renowned International Balloon Fiesta.
Healthcare costs are about 12% cheaper than the typical U.S. city, contributing to overall affordability.
Drawbacks
Albuquerque is largely a car-dependent city, with a walkability score of 43, making many errands difficult without a vehicle.
Despite some decreases in violent crime, the overall crime rate in Albuquerque increased as of August 2024, and burglaries rose by 11% in 2024.
The city's population is currently experiencing a slight decline, with an annual decrease of -0.26% in 2026.
The average annual job growth rate for the Albuquerque MSA was modest at 0.72% in 2024.
Traffic congestion levels average 25.6% in 2025, leading to increased travel times.
Tampa
Advantages
Strong and diverse job market with growth in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
More affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities and national averages, especially in housing.
Vibrant cultural scene with numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Warm climate and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches and parks.
Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with support for startups and business innovation.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options for some areas.
Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, requiring awareness of safety in specific areas.
Humidity and heat during summer months can be intense.
Housing market, while relatively affordable, has seen price increases and can be competitive.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Albuquerque
#36New Mexico, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,180
Avg Salary
$77,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
52.0/10
Walkability
43.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
70
Business
65
Tampa
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Albuquerque and Tampa.
Open Cost Calculator