How does the cost of living in Albuquerque compare to the U.S. average?

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 online cost‑of‑living calculators that let you input your current expenses and compare them with local averages, or check the city’s economic development website for updated data.