City vs city
Albuquerque, NM vs Austin, TX
- Rent is 51% lower in Albuquerque (median $1,145/mo vs $1,729/mo in Austin).
- Homes cost 90% less in Albuquerque ($292k vs $555k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $387 more a month after taxes and rent in Albuquerque.
- Austin has no state income tax on wages; Albuquerque does.
- Schools rate higher in Austin (5.2/10 vs 2.3/10).
- Austin has less violent crime (4.2 vs 10.3 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Austin has milder winters (52°F vs 37°F average).
- Albuquerque gets more sun (278 vs 228 sunny days a year).
| Albuquerque | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,145/mo | $1,729/mo |
| Median home value | $292k | $555k |
| Median household income | $68k | $94k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,791 | $3,404 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 2.3/10 | 5.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.9× the US rate | 1.2× the US rate |
| Summer average | 91°F | 98°F |
| Winter average | 37°F | 52°F |
| Sunny days a year | 278 | 228 |
| Walk score | 43 | 42 |
| Population | 562,218 | 979,539 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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