Average Rent in Albuquerque 2026
Albuquerque Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,000
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,250
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,550
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Albuquerque
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Albuquerque renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,000 | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $85 | $105 | $130 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $14 | $17 | $20 |
| Total monthly | $1,169 | $1,442 | $1,770 |
Utility estimates scale with Albuquerque’s cost of living index (91). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Albuquerque
91
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Albuquerque's cost of living index is 91, which is 9% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Albuquerque at a Glance
Population
564K
Median Income
$52,480
COL Index
91
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Albuquerque?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Albuquerque by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,000/mo | $40,000 | $19.23/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,250/mo | $50,000 | $24.04/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,550/mo | $62,000 | $29.81/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Albuquerque at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Albuquerque apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | 1-bedroom |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $625 in Albuquerque — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Albuquerque
Save $375/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,000
per month
Split 2BR
$625
per person/month
Annual Savings
$4,500
per year
Instead of paying $1,000 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,250) with one roommate brings your share to $625. That is $4,500 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Albuquerque
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,000–$2,000
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,000
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,000
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Albuquerque: $2,050–$4,000 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Albuquerque Compares to Other US Cities
Albuquerque sits near the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Albuquerque
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Albuquerque Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Albuquerque rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Albuquerque
Is Albuquerque expensive to rent in?
Albuquerque is well below the national average for rents. A 1-bedroom averages $1,000 per month in 2026. Nob Hill and Old Town are popular neighborhoods with higher rents, while the South Valley and Westside offer more affordable options.
How much income do you need to rent in Albuquerque?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $3,333 per month ($40,000 annually) to afford an average $1,000/month 1-bedroom apartment in Albuquerque.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Albuquerque?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,250/month) with one roommate brings your share to $625, saving $375 per month or $4,500 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Albuquerque?
Renters in Albuquerque typically pay about $85 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $14 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $169 on top of your $1,000 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Albuquerque?
Most Albuquerque landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,000 for a 1-bedroom at the Albuquerque average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($2,000), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Albuquerque affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Albuquerque is $52,480, which comes out to about $4,373 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,000, that's roughly 23% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Albuquerque?