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Albuquerque, New Mexico

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

48
Overall Score

Albuquerque, New Mexico, often called the 'Duke City,' is a vibrant urban center nestled in the high desert at the foot of the Sandia Mountains. Founded in 1706 as a Spanish colonial outpost, the city boasts a rich blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and arts scene. Its unique geographical setting, with the Rio Grande flowing through its heart and the dramatic Sandia Mountains to the east, offers residents stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. People are drawn to Albuquerque for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, a relaxed pace of life, and a strong sense of community. The city serves as a hub for technology, healthcare, and education in the Southwest, attracting a diverse population seeking a balance between urban amenities and access to nature.

About New Mexico

New Mexico, known as "the Land of Enchantment," offers a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The state's economy is driven by diverse sectors including energy (oil, gas, and renewables), aerospace and defense, food processing, agriculture, and a significant tourism industry. Living in New Mexico generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with housing and utilities often more affordable. The climate is largely arid and sunny, with diverse landscapes ranging from deserts to alpine forests, providing for warm to hot summers and cold winters, and a relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

560,326
Population
$77K
Avg Salary
97
Cost Index
47.8
Quality Score
How this 48/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 35 / 100 35.0 30% 10.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 97.0 47.5 25% 11.9
Economy & jobs Median household income: $71,494 Income needed to live here: $69,443 Unemployment rate: 4.2% 50.6 20% 10.1
Growth No usable reading — dataset average used 56.4 15% 8.5
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 47.8

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=93 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 3 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Albuquerque is generally more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 97, meaning it is 3% less expensive than the U.S. average. Housing expenses are a significant factor in this affordability, being approximately 9% lower than the national average. Utilities also contribute to the lower overall cost, with monthly expenses for energy, water, sewer, and trash averaging around $194.78. While groceries are roughly 2% cheaper than the national average, transportation costs are also lower, making daily expenses more manageable for residents.

Average Rent
$1,178/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$195/mo
Healthcare
$2,723/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$135.00

Salary Insights

Albuquerque's economy is diverse, with key industries including Health Care and Social Services, Retail, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Accommodation and Food Services. The average annual salary in Albuquerque was reported to be $77,000 as of May 2026. Major employers and growth sectors are often tied to the city's research and development capabilities, particularly in areas like aerospace and defense, supported by institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories and Kirtland Air Force Base. The job market also benefits from a growing film and television industry. While specific job growth rates were not available, the city's economic resilience is supported by its varied industrial base. The remote work scene is growing, aligning with national trends, offering flexibility for many professionals.

The average salary in Albuquerque is $77,000 per year. You would need approximately $69,443 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Manufacturing Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Accommodation and Food Services Retail Health Care and Social Services

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Albuquerque primarily relies on personal vehicles, as indicated by its walkability score of 43, suggesting that most errands require a car. The average commute time for residents is 24.8 minutes. Public transportation is available through ABQ RIDE, which operates bus services across the city. While some neighborhoods like Nob Hill and Huning Highland Historic District are highly walkable, with scores in the mid-80s, the city as a whole is more car-dependent. The average car ownership in Albuquerque is approximately two cars per household.

25 min
Avg Commute
35.00/10
Transit Score
43.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The cost of living in Albuquerque is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many U.S. cities.
Housing expenses are notably reasonable, with average rent 29% lower than the national average.
Albuquerque boasts a highly accessible park system, ranking 15th nationally in 2024, with 90% of residents living within a walkable half-mile of a park.
The city offers a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene, including the renowned International Balloon Fiesta.
Healthcare costs are lower than the national average, with annual medical costs for a single adult around $2,723 in 2024.
Drawbacks
Albuquerque has a high violent crime rate, which is 229% above the national average, resulting in an 'F' safety grade.
The city's overall walkability score of 43 indicates a high reliance on cars for most daily errands.
Despite a decrease in violent crime, burglaries increased by 11% in 2024.
The population experienced a slight decline of 0.25% in 2024.
Specific recent data for long-term care costs (home care, assisted living, nursing home) were not readily available.

Questions about Albuquerque

What people ask about living in and moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What is the climate like year‑round in Albuquerque? General 1 answer

Albuquerque has a high‑desert climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, often reaching the mid‑90s °F, while winters are cool with occasional snowfall and daytime highs in the 40s–50s °F. Spring and fall are mild, featuring pleasant temperatures and low humidity. Because of the elevation, evenings can be significantly cooler than daytime highs, so layering is advisable. For precise monthly averages...

How do public schools in Albuquerque rank academically? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in Albuquerque are administered by the local school district, which publishes performance metrics such as test scores and graduation rates on its website. Overall, the district offers a mix of schools that range from high‑performing magnet programs to schools that are working to improve outcomes. Parents often look at school report cards, attendance data, and extracurricular offerings to decide. To get...

Where can I find quality medical care in Albuquerque? Healthcare 1 answer

Albuquerque hosts several major hospitals and a network of community health centers that provide a full range of services, from emergency care to specialty clinics. The city’s health department website lists licensed providers, and you can search for primary‑care physicians through state medical board directories. For hospital rankings and patient satisfaction scores, consult national health rating sites or the state...

Is Albuquerque a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Albuquerque’s safety score is 35 out of 100, indicating higher crime levels compared to many U.S. cities. Crime can vary widely by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing lower rates of violent and property crimes than others. Prospective residents should review the city’s public safety reports, which break down incidents by district, and consider using crime‑mapping tools that provide visual data. Talking to loca...

What are the top outdoor activities in Albuquerque? Things to Do 1 answer

Albuquerque sits at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, offering extensive trail systems for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The city also maintains a network of parks and riverwalks that are popular for walking, kayaking, and picnicking. In the winter, nearby ski resorts provide snow sports. For detailed trail maps, check the city parks department’s website or regional outdoor recreation guides, which...

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Albuquerque? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move into an Albuquerque residence, you’ll need to set up electricity, natural gas, water, internet, and trash collection. The city’s utility providers offer online enrollment portals where you can schedule service start dates. Some apartments include water and trash in the rent, so review your lease carefully. For internet and cable, compare major providers’ coverage maps and promotional rates. It’s also a...

How does the cost of living in Albuquerque compare to the U.S. average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Albuquerque’s cost‑of‑living index is 97, which means it is slightly below the national average of 100. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be a bit cheaper than in many larger U.S. cities. The average salary in the area is about $77,000 per year, giving residents a modest purchasing power advantage when combined with the lower index. To get a personalized picture, you can use o...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Albuquerque? Housing 1 answer

The average rent across Albuquerque is $1,178 per month, which includes a range of unit sizes and neighborhoods. One‑bedroom apartments in central areas often sit near that average, though prices can be higher in the most sought‑after districts and lower in outlying suburbs. When budgeting, also factor in utilities, parking fees, and any pet deposits. To find current listings, browse regional rental websites, consult...

What industries are strongest in Albuquerque for job seekers? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Albuquerque’s economy is anchored by government, aerospace, technology, and healthcare sectors. The presence of federal research labs and a growing tech startup scene creates demand for software developers, data analysts, and IT support staff. Additionally, the city’s aerospace and defense firms often hire engineers and project managers. For the most current job openings, check the city’s labor market reports, use st...

What public transportation options are available in Albuquerque? Getting Around 1 answer

Albuquerque’s public transit authority operates a bus network that covers most of the city and surrounding suburbs, with routes connecting residential areas to major employment centers, hospitals, and universities. There are also commuter‑rail services that link the city to nearby towns. For real‑time schedules, fare information, and route maps, visit the transit authority’s website or use regional transit apps. Many...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Albuquerque? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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