Last Updated on October 30, 2022 by Lily Connel
On the one hand, Albuquerque has access to diverse cultural attractions and plenty of outdoor activities. On the other hand, living in Albuquerque can be expensive, and the weather can be unpredictable.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Albuquerque – The Table
Serial | The Pros of Living in Albuquerque | The Cons of Living in Albuquerque |
1. | Albuquerque’s living cost is relatively low. | The job market is challenging. |
2. | State Income tax-free in Albuquerque | The traffic system is terrible. |
3. | The weather is perfect. | Crime is a big problem in Albuquerque. |
4. | There is a lot of opportunity here. | Albuquerque is not a tourist destination. |
5. | Albuquerque has museums and art galleries. | Albuquerque is in the middle of nowhere. So, no beach here. |
6. | Albuquerque is the right choice to raise a family. | Albuquerque Infrastructly is undeveloped. |
Pros of Living in Albuquerque

Pro #01: Cost of living is relatively low
If you compare the cost of living in Albuquerque to other major cities in the U.S., you’ll find it relatively affordable to live here. The median home price in Albuquerque is $200,000, and the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $950.
Pro #02: There’s no state income tax
Another plus side of living in Albuquerque is no state income tax. That means more money in your pocket every month.
Pro #03: The weather is great
The weather in Albuquerque is one of its most significant selling points. The average high temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. And because Albuquerque is located in the desert, you can expect very little rain.
Pro #04: There’s a lot to do
If you’re looking for things to do, Albuquerque has you covered. There are museums, art galleries, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to know that Albuquerque is home to some of the best Mexican food in the country.
Pro #05: It’s a great place to raise a family
Albuquerque is a great place to raise a family. The city has excellent public schools and plenty of parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy. Plus, Albuquerque is relatively safe compared to other major cities in the U.S.
The Cons of Living in Albuquerque

Con #01: There’s no beach
Albuquerque is not the place for you if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun and sand. Albuquerque has no beaches, and the closest one is about two hours away.
Con #02: Crime is a problem
Crime is a severe problem in Albuquerque. In 2018, there were 12,253 crimes reported in the city. That works out to about one crime for every 100 residents.
Con #03: The traffic is terrible
If you live in Albuquerque, you’ll have to deal with some nasty traffic. According to TomTom, the average driver spends 41 hours stuck in traffic each year.
Con #04: The job market is not great
The job market in Albuquerque is not as strong as it is in other parts of the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Albuquerque was at a five-year high of 11.0% in 2019.
Con #05: It’s a long way from everything
Albuquerque is located in the middle of nowhere. If you want to visit a major city, you’re looking at a five-hour drive to Denver or Phoenix. And if you want to visit the beach, you’ll have to travel even further.
So there you have it, the pros and cons of living in Albuquerque. As with any decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before you decide. We hope this blog post has helped you do just that.
Read this: The Pros and Cons of Living in Vancouver, WA
Frequently Asked Question
Is moving to Albuquerque a good idea?
Whether you’re a foodie, a sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history buff, there’s an area that fits your style in and around Albuquerque. While it is a vast city, it is also one of the safest in New Mexico, making it an excellent option for relocation.
Why shouldn’t you move to Albuquerque?
In New Mexico, property crime is a significant problem, particularly in Albuquerque. This can be attributed to several socioeconomic factors within the city, including low educational levels, high unemployment rates, and incredible drug abuse among residents.
Is Albuquerque an excellent place to live?
The city of Albuquerque was named the fourth-best place to live in New Mexico. According to Money Magazine, the town has an unemployment rate of less than three percent and a median household income greater than $60,000 per year (compared with roughly $46K per year nationally). The city was also named one of the best places for young families by U.S. News & World Report.
Why is everyone moving to Albuquerque?
New Mexico has attracted a steady stream of newcomers from all over the country due to its stunning terrain and 310 days of sunshine each year. The state’s rich history, great outdoor activities, and superior quality of life are all factors that encourage individuals to relocate to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Why is Albuquerque so cheap?
Not to mention that, in addition to low property taxes, state income tax is 24% lower than the national average, making Albuquerque an inexpensive place to live, work, and settle down for retirement.