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Retirement community in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Albuquerque, New Mexico Retirement Guide

40

Retirement Score

Albuquerque, New Mexico at a Glance

Median Home Price
$288,700
State Income Tax
State income tax; Social Security partially exempt; limited pension exemption.
Avg January Low
23°F
Cost of Living Index
90.3 (US avg = 100)
RetireCityIQ Score
40 / 100

Overview

Explore the key retirement factors for Albuquerque, New Mexico, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.

Cost of Living

Affordability Metrics

Cost of Living Index
90.3 (U.S. avg = 100)High confidence
BEA Regional Price Parities · Updated October 2026
Median Household Income
$61,503High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026

Albuquerque's cost of living is 9.700000000000003% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.

Housing

Real Estate & Housing

Median Home Price
$288,700High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 1-Year · Updated October 2026
Median Monthly Rent
$1,037High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 1-Year · Updated October 2026
Owner-Occupied Housing
60.7%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026

10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)

Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Albuquerque using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.

Estimated monthly carrying cost

$626

Stress-case monthly carrying cost

$703

Median home price used: $288,700

Median rent reference: $1,037 / month

Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.

Budget validation

Calculate if your savings last in this city

Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Albuquerque, New Mexico after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.

Open the RetireFree Calculator →

Healthcare

Access & Quality

Healthcare Access Score
16.7 / 100High confidence
CMS Hospital General Information · Updated October 2026
Care Access (Proxy)
16.7 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026
Aging-in-Place Score
26.5 / 100Estimated
RetireCityIQ proxy model · Updated June 2026

Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Albuquerque scores 16.7 out of 100 for healthcare access.

Care planning link

Find local assisted living in Albuquerque

If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.

Assisted living in Albuquerque →

Taxes

State Tax Climate

Retirement Tax Score
30 / 100High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated October 2026
Tax Details
State income tax; Social Security partially exempt; limited pension exemption.High confidence
Tax Foundation · Updated October 2026

New Mexico has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.

Climate

Weather & Environment

Avg July High
93°FLow confidence
Avg January Low
23°FLow confidence
Annual Precipitation
9.5"Low confidence
Sunny Days / Year
280 daysLow confidence

With 280 sunny days a year and an average January low of 23°F, Albuquerque offers a traditional winter climate.

Safety & Walkability

Community Safety

Safety Score
42.7 / 100Low confidence
FBI Crime Data Explorer · Updated June 2026

Walkability

Walk Score (proxy)
19.5 / 100Low confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026
Transit Score (proxy)
4.5 / 100Low confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year (B08301) · Updated June 2026

Demographics

Population Profile

Population
562,551High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026
Median Age
38.0High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026
Age 65+
16.6%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026
Veterans
8.2%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026
Bachelor's Degree+
37.8%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026

Diversity Breakdown

White
60.6%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026
Black
3.2%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026
Hispanic/Latino
49.8%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026
Asian
3.1%High confidence
U.S. Census ACS 5-Year · Updated October 2026

Frequently asked questions about retiring in Albuquerque

What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, New Mexico for retirees?▾

The cost-of-living index is 90, roughly 10% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $288,700.

Does New Mexico tax Social Security or retirement income?▾

For New Mexico residents: State income tax; Social Security partially exempt; limited pension exemption.

What is the climate like in Albuquerque, New Mexico?▾

Albuquerque, New Mexico has January average low around 23°F, July average high around 93°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

What is healthcare access like in Albuquerque, New Mexico?▾

Albuquerque scores 17/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).

Local Professionals

Financial Advisors

HANSEATIC MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC

Financial Advisor

REDW WEALTH LLC

Financial Advisor

JOHN MOORE & ASSOCIATES INC

Financial Advisor

+92 more financial advisors available

Interested in Albuquerque? Talk to a Local Expert.

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