Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Albuquerque, New Mexico

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.84 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.23 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,503, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Albuquerque's cost-of-living index of 85 puts it below the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.84

National: $4.06

201.1%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,503

National: $1,900

36.6%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$11.59

Combo meal

3.0%YoY

Electricity

14.7¢

per kWh · ~$132/mo

15.4%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$165/mo

$1,980/yr

7.9%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$66,514

36.8% goes to essentials

36.8%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

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Avg rent $1,503/mo in Albuquerque. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$5.13 BLS avg

+27.3%

Bacon (lb)

$7.47 BLS avg

+17.6%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.37 BLS avg

+16.9%

Pasta (lb)

$1.97 BLS avg

+36.8%

Rice (5 lb)

$4.72 BLS avg

+20.7%

Coffee (12 oz)

$11.08 BLS avg

+36.0%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.30 BLS avg

+42.9%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.06 BLS avg

+12.5%

Apples (3 lb)

$4.71 BLS avg

+14.9%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.58 BLS avg

+27.1%

Lettuce (head)

$2.35 BLS avg

+35.1%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.05 BLS avg

+37.7%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$4.76 BLS avg

+18.1%

Cereal (family size)

$5.88 BLS avg

+31.5%

Frozen Pizza

$8.32 BLS avg

+45.7%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$11.59

Casual Dining

$22.10

Monthly Spend

$345.97

+3.02% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $7.19

$11.59

+61.2%

Wendy's

2022: $8.11

$12.52

+54.4%

Chipotle

2022: $8.69

$12.98

+49.4%

Starbucks

2022: $4.06

$5.64

+38.9%

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Looking for an Apartment in Albuquerque?

Average 1BR: $1,232/mo · 2BR: $1,774/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

347k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,221

$63k/yr

Top Sector

Professional & Business Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$67k

household median

Employment by Sector — Albuquerque

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Professional & Business Services
+7.1% 5yr$1,661/wk
17.4%

~$86k/yr

Education & Health Services
+6.9% 5yr$1,096/wk
17.0%

~$57k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
+8.5% 5yr$968/wk
16.8%

~$50k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
+0.3% 5yr$514/wk
11.3%

~$27k/yr

Manufacturing
+9.7% 5yr$1,351/wk
6.4%

~$70k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 35001

Highest Paying Sector

Professional & Business Services

$1,661/wk · $86k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$514/wk · $27k/yr

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