Cost of living in Albuquerque
Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Albuquerque, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18 on average, with a range between $10 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $65 to $113.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8.99 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $7, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2.25 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.02.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.7.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.79 to $5, averaging $3.24.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $6.15 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $7.25 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $3.09 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.1 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $1, with a monthly pass priced up to $75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.8 to $2.02 per km and $29 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $964 to $1950, averaging $1472.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1450, averaging $1137.11.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $3000, averaging $2605.63.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2150 to $2500, averaging $2305.83.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2271 to $2960.08, averaging $2514.41.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1883.68 to $2594.1, averaging $2225.9.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $130 and $274.48, averaging $211.52.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $79.08.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Albuquerque offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, particularly in terms of housing and transportation.
Dining out can be moderately priced, with a variety of options available from casual to upscale dining.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, though some items like local cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Public transportation is very affordable, though owning a car might be necessary for convenience.
Utilities and internet costs are moderate, with potential savings available through careful provider selection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albuquerque presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and transportation, making it an attractive option for both residents and newcomers.
While some costs like dining and certain groceries can vary, the overall expenses are manageable, offering a good quality of life.