Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$68,317$5,693 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Albuquerque, NM
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Albuquerque, NM
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Albuquerque, NM MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,009 | $12,108 | $40,360 | 17.7% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,185 | $14,220 | $47,400 | 20.8% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,464 | $17,568 | $58,560 | 25.7% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,036 | $24,432 | $81,440 | 35.8% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,399 | $28,788 | $95,960 | 42.1% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Albuquerque, NM
Based on the local median household income of $68,317/year ($5,693/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New Mexico
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New Mexico state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across New Mexico with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Albuquerque, NM
What is the median household income in Albuquerque, NM?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Albuquerque, NM is $68,317 per year (approximately $5,693 per month).
What is the average rent in Albuquerque, NM?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Albuquerque, NM are $1,009 for a studio, $1,185 for 1 bedroom, $1,464 for 2 bedrooms, $2,036 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,399 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Albuquerque, NM is 95.5 (4.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Albuquerque, NM?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,464/month) in Albuquerque, NM requires a minimum gross household income of $58,560 per year ($4,880 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Albuquerque, NM?
For a typical household earning the median income of $68,317/year ($5,693/month) in Albuquerque, NM, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,847/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,708/month to discretionary spending, and $1,139/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Albuquerque, NM?
Residential electricity rates in New Mexico average 15.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $136 per month.