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San Francisco vs Albuquerque

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Albuquerque is 59% cheaper than San Francisco overall.San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 vs Albuquerque at 93 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Francisco costs 77% more.

Pierre
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San Francisco
CA
225
COLI index
VS
Albuquerque
NM
93
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan FranciscoAlbuquerqueDifference
Overall COLI22593-59%
Housing43598-77%
Groceries119101-15%
Transport118103-13%
Healthcare108101-6%
Utilities125100-20%

Median 1BR Rent

San Francisco
$3,200/mo
Albuquerque
$1,150/mo

Median Home Price

San Francisco
$1,290,000
Albuquerque
$270,000

Median Household Income

San Francisco
$136,689
Albuquerque
$52,338

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Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque is cheaper to live in overall. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 while Albuquerque has an index of 93, where 100 represents the US national average. Albuquerque is 59% cheaper than San Francisco overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,200 per month compared to $1,150 in Albuquerque. The median home price in San Francisco is $1,290,000 versus $270,000 in Albuquerque. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 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 San Francisco, multiply by 0.41. For example a $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $31,000 in Albuquerque.

San Francisco has a median household income of $136,689 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 San Francisco to Albuquerque is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Albuquerque is 59% 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.