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Detroit vs Albuquerque

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Albuquerque is 6% more expensive than Detroit overall.Detroit has a cost of living index of 88 vs Albuquerque at 93 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Albuquerque costs 15% less.

Pierre
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Detroit
MI
88
COLI index
VS
Albuquerque
NM
93
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryDetroitAlbuquerqueDifference
Overall COLI8893+6%
Housing8598+15%
Groceries101101Same
Transport101103+2%
Healthcare102101-1%
Utilities112100-11%

Median 1BR Rent

Detroit
$1,100/mo
Albuquerque
$1,150/mo

Median Home Price

Detroit
$90,000
Albuquerque
$270,000

Median Household Income

Detroit
$34,762
Albuquerque
$52,338

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Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit is cheaper to live in overall. Detroit has a cost of living index of 88 while Albuquerque has an index of 93, where 100 represents the US national average. Albuquerque is 6% more expensive than Detroit overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Detroit is $1,100 per month compared to $1,150 in Albuquerque. The median home price in Detroit is $90,000 versus $270,000 in Albuquerque. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Detroit has a cost of living index of 88 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 Detroit, multiply by 1.06. For example a $75,000 salary in Detroit is equivalent to approximately $79,261 in Albuquerque.

Detroit has a median household income of $34,762 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 Detroit to Albuquerque is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Albuquerque is 6% more expensive 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.