Cleveland vs Albuquerque

Category / Metric	Cleveland	Albuquerque
Financial Overview
Median Income	$39,041	$67,907
Unemployment Rate	4.5%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$125,000	$300,100
Price per SqFt	$85	$null
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$913	$1,005
Housing Cost Index	104.6	88.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	89.2	95.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.69	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	1456.0	1189.0
Bachelor's Degree+	22.5%	39.6%
Air Quality (AQI)	44	26

The Southwest vs. The Rust Belt: Albuquerque vs. Cleveland—The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the high-desert charm of Albuquerque, New Mexico—a sprawling city of 560,283 people where the sky is endless and the culture is a rich blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. On the other, you have Cleveland, Ohio—the "North Coast" of America, a city with 362,670 residents that’s rebuilding itself around a fierce sense of identity, world-class healthcare, and the kind of grit that only a city forged on the Great Lakes can have.

Choosing between these two is like choosing between a sun-drenched canvas and a well-worn leather jacket. Both have character, both have history, and both have a lot to offer the right person. But which one is right for you? Let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Blue Sky vs. Blue Collar

Albuquerque is all about the "Land of Enchantment." The vibe here is laid-back, introspective, and deeply connected to the landscape. It’s a city where you can hike a volcano before work, grab a green chile cheeseburger for lunch, and watch a stunning sunset paint the Sandia Mountains pink. The culture is a slow-burn fusion of centuries-old traditions and modern tech (thanks to Sandia National Labs and Kirtland Air Force Base). It’s for the person who values space, quiet contemplation, and a daily dose of dramatic natural beauty.

Cleveland, on the other hand, is a city with something to prove. It’s the heart of the Rust Belt, but don’t let the nickname fool you—this city is in the midst of a serious glow-up. The vibe is unpretentious, community-driven, and fueled by a deep pride in its sports teams (the Dawg Pound!), its revitalized waterfront, and its legendary arts and music scene (hello, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame). It’s for the person who craves four distinct seasons, loves a good underdog story, and wants big-city amenities (like a top-tier orchestra and world-class hospitals) without the astronomical price tag.

Who is each city for?

• Albuquerque is for the outdoor enthusiast, the artist, the tech/defense professional, and anyone who needs wide-open spaces to breathe.
• Cleveland is for the young professional who wants affordability, the family that values tight-knit neighborhoods, and the retiree seeking cultural richness and medical care on a budget.

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The Dollar Power: Where Your Paycheck Goes Further

This is where the rubber meets the road. A $100,000 salary feels wildly different in these two cities, and it’s not just about the rent check.

Let’s break down the monthly essentials.

Expense Category	Albuquerque	Cleveland	The Takeaway
Rent (1BR)	$1,005	$913	Cleveland has a slight edge, but it's close.
Utilities	~$165 (higher cooling costs)	~$170 (higher heating costs)	A wash. You pay more for AC in ABQ, more for heat in CLE.
Groceries	10% above national avg	5% below national avg	Cleveland wins. Your grocery bill will be noticeably lower.
Housing Index	88.8 (12% below avg)	104.6 (4.6% above avg)	Albuquerque wins. Housing is cheaper relative to national norms.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the kicker: Median Income. Albuquerque’s median household income is $67,907, while Cleveland’s is a startlingly low $39,041. That’s a massive gap. What this means is that while Cleveland’s costs are low, the local economy hasn’t fully recovered, and wages are suppressed. Albuquerque, buoyed by federal jobs and a more diversified economy, offers higher earning potential.

If you earn $100,000, you’ll feel wealthier in Cleveland if you can land that salary. But the local job market may not support that figure for many roles. In Albuquerque, $100,000 is a strong, achievable salary that puts you well above the median, and with a lower housing index, your dollar stretches further for homeownership.

Insight on Taxes: New Mexico has a progressive income tax (up to 5.9%), while Ohio has a flat 3.5% rate. However, New Mexico offers property tax relief for seniors and veterans, and its overall tax burden is often considered moderate. Ohio’s sales tax is higher, but again, the lower cost of goods can offset it. The real decider is your income level and housing choice.

CALLOUT BOX: The Dollar Power Verdict
Winner: Albuquerque (by a hair). While Cleveland is cheaper on paper, Albuquerque’s significantly higher median income and strong housing index give it better overall purchasing power for the average worker. You’re more likely to find a $100k job in ABQ, and your housing costs are a better deal relative to your earnings.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Albuquerque: The Seller’s Market.
The median home price is $300,100. The market is competitive, driven by a combination of low inventory, steady migration from more expensive states (like California and Texas), and a strong military/federal presence that ensures a stable buyer pool. Renting is a solid option if you’re not ready to commit, but expect competition for nice units. The Housing Index of 88.8 confirms it’s one of the more affordable major metros in the West, but that’s changing fast.

Cleveland: The Buyer’s Paradise (with caveats).
The median home price is a shockingly low $125,000. This is the Rust Belt legacy—abundant, historic housing stock at rock-bottom prices. It is, without a doubt, one of the most affordable major cities in America for homeownership. However, you must do your homework. Some neighborhoods are booming (Ohio City, Tremont), while others are still battling blight and vacancy. The Housing Index of 104.6 is misleading because it’s an average; your specific neighborhood choice is everything. It’s a buyer’s market in terms of price, but requires diligence.

Renting in Cleveland is also a steal, with the $913 average rent allowing for a high-quality apartment in a desirable area for less than $1,200/month.

CALLOUT BOX: Housing Verdict
Winner for Buyers: Cleveland. If you want to own a home for under $150k, Cleveland is in a league of its own.
Winner for Renters: Cleveland. Slightly cheaper rents, with more variety in historic and modern lofts.
Winner for Stability: Albuquerque. Less risk of buying in a declining neighborhood, but you’ll pay a premium.

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The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

1. Traffic & Commute

• Albuquerque: Traffic is a breeze compared to most major metros. The city is built on a grid, and while I-25 and I-40 can get congested during rush hour, it’s rarely a nightmare. The average commute is around 22 minutes. The biggest issue is the lack of robust public transit; you’re almost certainly driving everywhere.
• Cleveland: Traffic is also relatively mild. The city’s layout is more complex, but the commute times are similar (~25 minutes). Public transit (RTA) is more extensive than Albuquerque’s, with a heavy rail line connecting downtown to the airport and key suburbs. However, winter weather can dramatically impact commutes.

2. Weather: The Great Divide

• Albuquerque: 39°F average winter temp is misleading. It’s a dry cold, and daytime temps often climb into the 50s. Summers are hot and dry (highs often 90°F+), but humidity is virtually nonexistent. You get 300+ days of sunshine. Snow is light and melts quickly. The big adjustment is the high altitude (around 5,300 ft)—it takes time to acclimate.
• Cleveland: 43°F average winter temp tells a story of gray, snowy, and windy days. You will experience lake-effect snow, sub-zero wind chills, and months of gray skies. Summers are glorious—humid, warm, and green, with highs in the 80s. The seasonal change is dramatic. If you hate winter, Cleveland will be a dealbreaker. If you love fall foliage and cozy winters, it’s perfect.

3. Crime & Safety (The Honest Truth)
This is tough. Both cities struggle with crime rates above the national average.

• Albuquerque: Violent Crime: 1,189.0/100k. Property crime is a significant issue (car break-ins are common). Crime is concentrated in specific areas, but it’s a city-wide concern. The perception of safety can vary wildly by neighborhood.
• Cleveland: Violent Crime: 1,456.0/100k. Statistically, Cleveland has a higher violent crime rate than Albuquerque. However, like Albuquerque, it’s highly neighborhood-specific. Downtown and trendy suburbs are generally safe, while other areas face challenges. The safety dynamic in Cleveland is complex due to its stark economic divides.

Safety Verdict: Neither city is a utopia. Albuquerque has a slight statistical edge in violent crime, but both require situational awareness and research into specific neighborhoods. For families, this is a critical factor that demands deep-dive local research.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the intangibles, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Albuquerque
Why? The higher median income ($67,907 vs. $39,041) translates to better economic stability. The weather allows for year-round outdoor activities, which is a huge plus for kids. While both cities have good school districts, Albuquerque’s economy offers more upward mobility for parents. The lower crime rate (though still a concern) is a marginal but meaningful factor.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Cleveland
Why? The cost of living is unbeatable. A young pro can rent a fantastic apartment in a vibrant neighborhood like Ohio City or Lakewood for under $1,200/month, leaving plenty of cash for entertainment, travel, and savings. The social scene is rich with breweries, sports, and arts, and the proximity to other Great Lakes cities (Detroit, Pittsburgh) is a bonus. The key is landing a job that pays well despite the local median.

Winner for Retirees: Albuquerque
Why? The weather is a primary driver. Avoiding harsh winters is a major quality-of-life upgrade for many seniors. The lower cost of living (especially property taxes) helps fixed incomes go further. The retiree community is active, and the slower pace is appealing. Cleveland’s lower costs are attractive, but the weather and higher tax burden on certain incomes can be a drawback.

Albuquerque: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • 300+ days of sunshine and stunning natural scenery.
  • Higher median income and stronger economy.
  • Affordable housing relative to other Western cities.
  • Unique, rich cultural blend.
  • Low traffic and easy navigation.
• Cons:
  • High altitude takes getting used to.
  • Hot, dry summers can be intense.
  • Property crime is a significant issue.
  • Limited public transportation.
  • Can feel isolated from other major metros.

Cleveland: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Extremely affordable housing (buy or rent).
  • Four distinct seasons with beautiful summers and falls.
  • World-class healthcare (Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals).
  • Vibrant arts, culture, and sports scene.
  • More extensive public transit.
• Cons:
  • Grim, long winters with significant snow and gray skies.
  • Low median income—job hunting is critical.
  • Higher violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
  • Economic recovery is ongoing; some areas still face blight.
  • Higher sales tax.

The Bottom Line: Choose Albuquerque if you prioritize sunshine, outdoor access, and a stronger local economy. Choose Cleveland if your priority is maximum affordability, you love four seasons, and you’re confident in your ability to land a good job. Both are cities with soul—just on opposite ends of the spectrum.