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Salt Lake City vs Albuquerque

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Albuquerque is 15% cheaper than Salt Lake City overall.Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 110 vs Albuquerque at 93 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Salt Lake City costs 32% more.

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Salt Lake City
UT
110
COLI index
VS
Albuquerque
NM
93
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySalt Lake CityAlbuquerqueDifference
Overall COLI11093-15%
Housing14598-32%
Groceries103101-2%
Transport108103-5%
Healthcare104101-3%
Utilities92100+9%

Median 1BR Rent

Salt Lake City
$1,450/mo
Albuquerque
$1,150/mo

Median Home Price

Salt Lake City
$460,000
Albuquerque
$270,000

Median Household Income

Salt Lake City
$72,408
Albuquerque
$52,338

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Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque is cheaper to live in overall. Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 110 while Albuquerque has an index of 93, where 100 represents the US national average. Albuquerque is 15% cheaper than Salt Lake City overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Salt Lake City is $1,450 per month compared to $1,150 in Albuquerque. The median home price in Salt Lake City is $460,000 versus $270,000 in Albuquerque. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Salt Lake City has a cost of living index of 110 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 Salt Lake City, multiply by 0.85. For example a $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to approximately $63,409 in Albuquerque.

Salt Lake City has a median household income of $72,408 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 Salt Lake City to Albuquerque is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Albuquerque is 15% 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.