Category / Metric	Ewa Gentry CDP	Albuquerque
Financial Overview
Median Income	$131,755	$67,907
Unemployment Rate	2.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$768,200	$300,100
Price per SqFt	$null	$null
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,038	$1,005
Housing Cost Index	143.7	88.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	106.9	95.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	1189.0
Bachelor's Degree+	29.6%	39.6%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	26

Albuquerque vs. Ewa Gentry CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the high-desert majesty of Albuquerque, New Mexico—a city of red chile, hot air balloons, and a laid-back, artistic vibe. On the other, you have Ewa Gentry CDP, Hawaii—a slice of island life on the southwestern coast of Oahu, offering tropical breezes and a tight-knit community feel.

This isn't just about picking a place to live; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the sun in the mountains or the sun on the beach? Buckle up. We're diving deep into the data, the culture, and the real-world trade-offs to help you decide where to plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Red Chile vs. Pineapple Juice

Let's get one thing straight: these two places are worlds apart. Comparing them is like comparing a rugged hiking boot to a flip-flop. Both get you where you need to go, but the journey is entirely different.

Albuquerque is the quintessential Southwest city. It's big—560,283 people call it home—sprawling, and deeply rooted in its culture. The vibe is unpretentious and creative. Think world-class green chile on every menu, a thriving arts scene in the historic Old Town, and the iconic International Balloon Fiesta painting the sky every October. It’s a city that feels lived-in and authentic, where you can drive from the desert floor to the top of the Sandia Mountains in 30 minutes. It’s for the person who wants space, four distinct seasons (with a heavy emphasis on sun), and a cost of living that doesn’t break the bank.

Ewa Gentry CDP is a different beast entirely. It’s a Census-Designated Place (CDP) on the island of Oahu, with a population of just 26,738. This isn't a bustling city; it's a suburban community. The vibe is "local." It’s quieter, slower-paced, and deeply connected to the ocean. Life here revolves around beach days, family gatherings, and the tight bonds of a smaller community. It’s for the person whose dream is to wake up to the sound of the waves, who values safety and a close-knit neighborhood feel above the hustle of a major metro, and who is willing to pay a premium for the paradise tax.

Who is each city for?

Albuquerque is for the adventurer, the artist, the budget-conscious professional, and the family looking for space and a strong sense of place.
Ewa Gentry CDP is for the retiree seeking tranquility, the remote worker who can afford the paradise lifestyle, and the family prioritizing safety and a tight community in a stunning natural setting.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Further?

Let's talk money. This is where the rubber meets the road, and the difference is staggering.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Ewa Gentry boasts a median income of $131,755—nearly double Albuquerque's $67,907. But hold your horses. That higher salary is a necessity, not a luxury. The cost of living in Hawaii is notoriously high, driven by the fact that nearly everything has to be shipped across the Pacific.

If you earn $100,000 in Albuquerque, you are well above the median income. You can live comfortably, save, and even afford a nice home. That same $100,000 in Ewa Gentry puts you below the area's median. You'll be making ends meet, but the "luxury" of island life will come with serious compromises. Your purchasing power takes a massive hit.

Taxes: The Hidden Cost
New Mexico has a progressive income tax system. If you're earning $100,000, you're looking at a state income tax rate of around 5.9%. Hawaii, on the other hand, has the highest income tax rates in the nation for top earners, with rates climbing as high as 11%. While Ewa Gentry's median income suggests many residents are in these higher brackets, it's a critical factor in your net pay.

The Bottom Line: Albuquerque wins the bang-for-your-buck contest, hands down. Ewa Gentry is a premium product with a premium price tag.

Cost of Living Breakdown Table

Category	Albuquerque (NM)	Ewa Gentry CDP (HI)	Winner
Median Home Price	$300,100	$768,200	Albuquerque
Rent (1BR)	$1,005	$2,038	Albuquerque
Housing Index	88.8 (12% below nat'l avg)	143.7 (44% above nat'l avg)	Albuquerque
Utilities	Moderate (high A/C in summer)	Very High (electricity, water)	Albuquerque
Groceries	Slightly Above Avg	Significantly Above Avg	Albuquerque
Overall Cost of Living	~10-15% Below Nat'l Avg	~50% Above Nat'l Avg	Albuquerque

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

This is where the stakes get real.

Albuquerque's Market:
The median home price of $300,100 is still within reach for many. It's a buyer's market in many neighborhoods, meaning you have some room to negotiate. Inventory is better than in coastal cities, but desirable homes, especially in the North Valley or near the foothills, move quickly. Rent is reasonable, making it a great place to rent while you save up for a down payment. The key insight? Your $300,000 gets you a solid 3-bedroom home with a yard, not a studio apartment.

Ewa Gentry's Market:
With a median home price of $768,200, the entry barrier is sky-high. This is a seller's market driven by limited land and high demand. Competition is fierce, and cash offers are common. Renting is the only option for most, but even that is a wallet-buster at $2,038 for a 1-bedroom. The "Housing Index" of 143.7 screams "sticker shock." Owning a home here is a dream for the wealthy or those with significant equity from a previous sale in an even more expensive market.

Verdict: For the average earner, Albuquerque offers a viable path to homeownership. In Ewa Gentry, you're likely renting for life unless you're part of the top income bracket.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Albuquerque: The city sprawls, but traffic is manageable. The I-25 and I-40 corridors get congested during rush hour, but it's nothing like Los Angeles or New York. Most commutes are under 30 minutes. The real commute challenge is the weather—winter snow and summer monsoons can slow things down.
Ewa Gentry: Being a CDP on an island, the infrastructure is limited. The main artery, Fort Weaver Road, can get congested, especially during peak tourist season or when there's an accident. Commuting to Honolulu for work is a real possibility and can be a 45-60 minute drive in heavy traffic. The lack of alternative routes is a major constraint.

Weather: The Great Divider

Here's where we have to be honest.

Albuquerque has a true four-season climate. Winters are sunny but can be cold (39°F avg in Jan). Snow is occasional and melts quickly. Summers are hot and dry, often hitting 95°F+, but the low humidity makes it manageable. The monsoon season in July/August brings dramatic thunderstorms. It's a climate of extremes, but with brilliant sunshine most of the year.
Ewa Gentry CDP has a tropical climate. The data says "N/A°F" for a reason—there's little variation. Daytime temps hover in the 70s-80s°F year-round. Humidity is constant. The trade winds provide relief, but the "wet" season (winter) can bring prolonged rain. There are no seasons, which can be a pro or a con depending on your love for autumn leaves or a white Christmas.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast and a potential dealbreaker for many.

Albuquerque struggles with crime. The violent crime rate of 1,189.0 per 100,000 people is significantly higher than the national average. Property crime is also a concern. This is a real issue that impacts daily life and neighborhood choice.
Ewa Gentry CDP is exceptionally safe. The violent crime rate of 234.0 per 100,000 is far below the national average. This is a huge selling point, especially for families and retirees.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the breakdown.

Winner for Families: Albuquerque

While Ewa Gentry's safety is tempting, the math doesn't lie. A family earning a median income ($67,907) in Albuquerque can afford a home ($300,100), a car, and a good quality of life. They can access decent schools, parks, and community events without being house-poor. In Ewa Gentry, that same family would be priced out of the housing market and living on a knife's edge financially. Albuquerque offers a better balance of affordability, space, and amenities for raising a family.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Albuquerque

For this demographic, affordability and opportunity are key. Albuquerque's lower cost of living allows young professionals to build savings, start businesses, or invest in a home early. The city has a growing tech and film scene, and its size offers more networking and social opportunities than a small CDP. Ewa Gentry's high cost and limited job market (outside of tourism and remote work) make it a tough sell for career-focused singles.

Winner for Retirees: Ewa Gentry CDP

This is the one category where Ewa Gentry shines. For retirees who have already built their nest egg, the appeal is undeniable: unparalleled safety, a stunning natural environment, a peaceful community, and a climate that's gentle on aging joints. The slower pace of life and focus on outdoor recreation (beaches, golf, hiking) is perfect for this stage of life. The high cost is the trade-off for paradise, but for those with the means, it's a worthy one.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Albuquerque, NM

Pros:

Affordable Housing: Median home price of $300,100 is within reach.
High Purchasing Power: Your salary goes much further.
Rich Culture & Cuisine: Unbeatable Southwestern food and arts scene.
Outdoor Access: Mountains, desert, and rivers for hiking and biking.
Four Seasons: If you love variety, you get it.

Cons:

High Crime Rate: 1,189.0/100k violent crime is a serious concern.
Economic Stagnation: Job market is not as robust as in major coastal hubs.
Extreme Weather: Hot summers, cold winters, and monsoon storms.
Air Quality: Can be an issue during dry, windy periods.

Ewa Gentry CDP, HI