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Boston vs Albuquerque

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Albuquerque is 43% cheaper than Boston overall.Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs Albuquerque at 93 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Boston costs 65% more.

Pierre
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Boston
MA
162
COLI index
VS
Albuquerque
NM
93
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryBostonAlbuquerqueDifference
Overall COLI16293-43%
Housing28098-65%
Groceries112101-10%
Transport113103-9%
Healthcare112101-10%
Utilities140100-29%

Median 1BR Rent

Boston
$2,900/mo
Albuquerque
$1,150/mo

Median Home Price

Boston
$720,000
Albuquerque
$270,000

Median Household Income

Boston
$81,744
Albuquerque
$52,338

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Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque is cheaper to live in overall. Boston has a cost of living index of 162 while Albuquerque has an index of 93, where 100 represents the US national average. Albuquerque is 43% cheaper than Boston overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Boston is $2,900 per month compared to $1,150 in Albuquerque. The median home price in Boston is $720,000 versus $270,000 in Albuquerque. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Boston has a cost of living index of 162 and Albuquerque has an index of 93, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Boston, multiply by 0.57. For example a $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to approximately $43,056 in Albuquerque.

Boston has a median household income of $81,744 per year versus $52,338 in Albuquerque. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Boston to Albuquerque is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Albuquerque is 43% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.