Is Albuquerque, NM cheaper or more expensive than Tucson, AZ?

Albuquerque, NM (RPP 93.4) is cheaper than Tucson, AZ (RPP 93.8) by about 0.4%.

What salary do I need in Albuquerque, NM if I earn $100,000 in Tucson, AZ?

You would need approximately $99,574 in Albuquerque, NM to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Tucson, AZ. Formula: $100,000 x (93.4 / 93.8).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Tucson, AZ or Albuquerque, NM?

For 2021-2022, Tucson, AZ had a net gain of 3,527 people, while Albuquerque, NM had a net gain of 309 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Tucson, AZ vs Albuquerque, NM: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Tucson, AZ and Albuquerque, NM. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Tucson, AZ

Overall RPP (US=100): 93.8
Housing RPP: 91.1
Goods RPP: 97.5
2-BR median rent: $1,337/mo

Arizona flat income tax 2.5%.

Albuquerque, NM

Overall RPP (US=100): 93.4
Housing RPP: 88.7
Goods RPP: 97.6
2-BR median rent: $1,222/mo

New Mexico income tax 1.7%-5.9%.

Equivalent salary

Albuquerque, NM is cheaper than Tucson, AZ by about 0.4% (RPP 93.8 to 93.4).

$60,000 in Tucson, AZ

-> $59,744

in Albuquerque, NM

$100,000 in Tucson, AZ

-> $99,574

in Albuquerque, NM

$150,000 in Tucson, AZ

-> $149,360

in Albuquerque, NM

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: Tucson, AZ vs Albuquerque, NM

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Tucson, AZ

Net people: +3,527
Net rank: #23 of 65
Top origin share: 12%
Top destination share: 14%

Largest source: Maricopa County, AZ. Largest destination: Maricopa County, AZ.

Albuquerque, NM

Net people: +309
Net rank: #28 of 65
Top origin share: 5%
Top destination share: 4%

Largest source: Santa Fe County, NM. Largest destination: Santa Fe County, NM.

Rent delta: Albuquerque, NM is $115/mo lower for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Tucson, AZ. Housing RPP moves from 91.1 to 88.7.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Albuquerque, NM cheaper or more expensive than Tucson, AZ?: Albuquerque, NM (RPP 93.4) is cheaper than Tucson, AZ (RPP 93.8) by about 0.4%.
What salary do I need in Albuquerque, NM if I earn $100,000 in Tucson, AZ?: You would need approximately $99,574 in Albuquerque, NM to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Tucson, AZ. Formula: $100,000 x (93.4 / 93.8).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Tucson, AZ or Albuquerque, NM?: For 2021-2022, Tucson, AZ had a net gain of 3,527 people, while Albuquerque, NM had a net gain of 309 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Related comparisons

Tucson, AZ profile Albuquerque, NM profile Compare other cities