Albuquerque vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Albuquerque feels like approximately $57,942 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Albuquerque feels like $57,942 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 17%.

Income
Housing

Albuquerque

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,185/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
NM tax applies
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,458
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Albuquerque is a strong value proposition for remote workers — among the lowest housing costs of the 35 metros, exceptional outdoor access, and a distinctive high-desert cultural environment. National lab salaries (for in-person roles) pair well with the cost structure. Remote workers earning coastal-range salaries find significant purchasing power here.
 
St. Louis represents one of the strongest value propositions among major metros — the lowest housing costs of the 35 metros, free museum access in Forest Park, and a revitalizing arts and restaurant scene.
Walk Score
43
 
66
Spacious
$60-80k · Albuquerque vs St. Louis
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,458/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Albuquerque, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.

No city is objectively better. Albuquerque and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Albuquerque vs St. Louis — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Albuquerque or St. Louis?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,185/mo in Albuquerque and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Albuquerque?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Albuquerque feels like approximately $57,942 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 17% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Albuquerque and St. Louis?

Albuquerque is in NM (NM levies income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.