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Denver vs Albuquerque

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Albuquerque is 21% cheaper than Denver overall.Denver has a cost of living index of 118 vs Albuquerque at 93 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Denver costs 42% more.

Pierre
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Denver
CO
118
COLI index
VS
Albuquerque
NM
93
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryDenverAlbuquerqueDifference
Overall COLI11893-21%
Housing16898-42%
Groceries105101-4%
Transport110103-6%
Healthcare106101-5%
Utilities96100+4%

Median 1BR Rent

Denver
$1,750/mo
Albuquerque
$1,150/mo

Median Home Price

Denver
$545,000
Albuquerque
$270,000

Median Household Income

Denver
$72,173
Albuquerque
$52,338

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Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque is cheaper to live in overall. Denver has a cost of living index of 118 while Albuquerque has an index of 93, where 100 represents the US national average. Albuquerque is 21% cheaper than Denver overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Denver is $1,750 per month compared to $1,150 in Albuquerque. The median home price in Denver is $545,000 versus $270,000 in Albuquerque. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Denver has a cost of living index of 118 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 Denver, multiply by 0.79. For example a $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to approximately $59,110 in Albuquerque.

Denver has a median household income of $72,173 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 Denver to Albuquerque is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Albuquerque is 21% 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.