Albuquerque is the best option when it comes to living costs. It is ideal for you if you want plenty of fun events and friendly neighborhoods. In contrast, Baltimore is best for you if you or your family members wish to study at world-class schools and have the opportunity to participate in various sports.
Albuquerque is home to approximately 300 cultural institutions, museums, festivals, and associations in visual arts, music, dance, literature, film, ethnicity, and crafts. Since 1961, the nonprofit New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair have been hosted in Albuquerque to showcase the work of only New Mexico-based artists and craftspeople.
Meanwhile, Baltimore is frequently known as the “city of neighborhoods,” with 72 recognized historic districts that long been home to many ethnic communities from all over the world. The Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Little Italy are three of Baltimore’s most popular tourist destinations.
If the cities’ cultural background has already amazed you, you will fall in love with their other offerings. This comprehensive comparison might assist you if you are torn between these culturally fantastic places.
List of Contents
What Are the Pros and Cons of Albuquerque vs. Baltimore?
Albuquerque’s various options for public transportation and friendly neighborhoods make it an ideal place for relocation, but the poor-conditioned rural roads and low basic pay may disappoint you. Meanwhile, you will have access to world-class public universities and colleges and enjoy various sports in Baltimore, but the higher taxes and intense cyclones are frustrating.
Living in Albuquerque
Pros
- Friendly neighborhoods
- Nob Hill
- North Valley
- Tanoan
- Heritage East
- Bear Canyon
- Top-ranked schools
- The North Start Elementary School
- Explore Academy
- ABQ School of Excellence
- La Cueva High School
- Various options for public transportation
- Fun events
- Albuquerque Summerfest Series
- Freedom 4th
- Albuquerque Renaissance Faire
- Twinkle Light Parade
- International Balloon Fiesta
In and around Albuquerque, you can discover the right area to fit your personality, whether you are a sports enthusiast, food explorer, nature lover, or history buff. While it is a large city, it is also one of the friendliest in New Mexico, making it an ideal place for relocation. The following are some of Albuquerque’s most popular neighborhoods to visit:
Many top-ranked schools in Albuquerque include vocationally minded students and college-bound learners. The following are some of the area’s top-rated schools:
The ABQ Ride bus route is one of the most popular ways of public transportation in the city. If you work for an eligible company, you can take advantage of cheap monthly passes, pay as you go, or participate in the business transportation program.
If you’re searching for a means to and from Albuquerque, the Rio Metro Transportation system has 15 stations between the city and Santa Fe or Belen. One of the fastest methods to travel between cities in the region is via commuter train.
In and around Albuquerque, there are plenty of events and festivals to attend. Whether your love is music, cuisine, cinema, art, or dancing, one of the numerous regional events offered throughout the year will have something for you or your whole family. Here are some of the popular events:
Cons
- High unemployment rate
- Poor-conditioned rural roads
- Low basic pay
- Far from other cities
Albuquerque’s unemployment rate is high compared to others. According to the Federal Reserve, Albuquerque’s unemployment rate in October 2021 was 5.10 %. Also, Albuquerque has a higher rate of 13% in July 2020 than comparable cities.
New Mexico’s unemployment rate has risen to 12.7 %, the highest since the coronavirus outbreak started in the United States in March.
About 1 in 4 rural roads surrounding Albuquerque are in such bad shape that the state feels they increase the chance of a traffic fatality. The stories of the old Highway 666, now U.S. Route 491, contribute to this disadvantage. Some of the area’s bridges are among the state’s worst. Mountain roads can also be difficult for specific drivers.
There isn’t much well-paid employment in Albuquerque since it’s one of the poorest cities in the nation. The average hourly rate in the city is $9. With the high unemployment rate compared to other cities, many inhabitants in ABQ cannot find work that pays well enough to live comfortably.
Albuquerque is located in a remote state. It’s a long way from other states’ big cities.
Even though Albuquerque and Santa Fe are large cities, getting from them to other major cities like New York or Washington, DC is brutal.
Albuquerque International Sunport presently does not provide any international flights.
In addition, driving from Albuquerque to Denver will take seven hours, and traveling to the major cities of Texas will take more than ten hours.
Living in Baltimore
Pros
- World-class public universities and colleges
- Low unemployment rate
- Various sports
- Several attractions
Baltimore is home to several world-class public universities and colleges. Famous names like Loyola University, the University of Maryland, and Johns Hopkins University can all be found here.
Furthermore, you’ll have a choice for a teaching hospital and one of the country’s premier biomedical research institutions. If a member of your family wants to attend medical school, this is one of the areas to consider.
Baltimore’s unemployment rate is similar to the national average, about 4.5% in 2019, while it fluctuated between lower and higher in previous years.
The city’s manufacturing employment, concentrating on steel processing, automotive production, and transportation, is responsible for the current developments. So, in Baltimore, jobs are pretty simple to come by.
Baltimore is a multi-sport powerhouse. The city’s professional teams include the Ravens of the National Football League, Orioles of Major League Baseball, and D.C. United of Major League Soccer. College sports lovers can find something to shout about at the University of Maryland, with various sports teams.
When you first go to this city, you will be near hockey and basketball, too.
Downtown Baltimore’s waterfront is in the heart of the city. The Inner Harbor is stunning, with stores, restaurants, hotels, and a plethora of activities around it. The USS Constellation, from the Civil War, is among the historic ships there.
Throughout the city, there are many galleries and museums to visit. If you like planning a weekend activity with your family, living in Baltimore will take you years to run out of new things to do.
Cons
- Higher taxes
- Escalating traffic issues
- Homeless population
- Strong cyclones
If you reside in Baltimore, you must be prepared to meet your city’s tax requirements. Because it is politically independent, you will pay more than if you live in the county or elsewhere in the state.
The income tax rate in the city is 3.2 %, which is higher than the county’s rate of 2.83 %. Property taxes are substantially greater than those found farther west, which can be challenging to afford.
Traveling up and down the East Coast can be a challenge here. Because commuters and local employees crowd the streets and roads, Baltimore has more challenges than other urban regions.
It’s better to avoid the outer perimeter of the beltway unless you have a pressing need to be there since commuters on I-395, I-695, and I-95 rush to go to work or return home for the day.
Baltimore’s homeless population continues to suffer despite increased funding and assistance. It is a significant problem in many American cities due to low salaries and high housing expenses. Tent cities are rising all over the area, often close to neighborhoods with expensive mortgages or rents.
Since 1950, 123 tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes have hit Maryland and the Baltimore metro region. Hurricane Agnes, which flooded the area in 1972, killed 19 people. In comparison, hurricane Dorian in September 2019 brought torrential rainfall and powerful winds that destroyed many properties.
Albuquerque or Baltimore – Which Is More Expensive?
The overall cost of living index (taxes excluded) states that Baltimore, Maryland, is 0.6% more expensive than Albuquerque, New Mexico. The most significant components in the cost of living difference are the median home cost, transportation, and healthcare.
The table below presents the cost-of-living indices written in percentage:
| Living expenses | Albuquerque | Baltimore |
| Housing | 88% | 49.4% |
| Food & Groceries | 98% | |
| Health | 81.1% | 100% |
| Utilities | 97.2% | 107.3% |
| Transportation | 89.4% | 124.4% |
Data is 100 = US National Average
> 100 means more expensive than the national average
< 100 means cheaper than the national average
Housing Cost
Baltimore’s cost of housing is 43.9% less expensive than in Albuquerque. Baltimore’s average home price is only $175,500 compared to $257,400 in Albuquerque.
Utility Cost
Compared to Albuquerque, electric expenses in Baltimore, MD, are higher. Baltimore’s cost of utilities is 10.4% higher than in Albuquerque. Electricity prices in Maryland have decreased by 2.1% during the last year.
Food and Groceries Cost
The cost of food and groceries in Baltimore is 2.1% higher than in Albuquerque. For example, the 1-kg rice costs $4.18 in Baltimore, whereas Albuquerque has only $3.06.
Transportation Cost
Baltimore’s transportation cost is 39.1% higher than in Albuquerque. For example, Albuquerque’s regular monthly pass price is only $30 compared to $74 in Baltimore.
Healthcare Cost
Baltimore’s healthcare cost is 10.5% higher than in Albuquerque. In Baltimore, you will spend an average of $101.41 on visiting a doctor, while in Albuquerque, that is only around $86.3.
Is Albuquerque Bigger Than Baltimore?
Based on the 2020 city population census, Baltimore and Albuquerque have almost the same population. But in terms of land area, Albuquerque is 51% bigger than Baltimore.
Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, had 564,559 residents in 2020, making it the 32nd most populous city in the United States and the 4th largest in the southwest. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it covers 189.5 square miles, with 187.7 square miles of land.
Meanwhile, with a population of 585,708 in 2020, Baltimore is the most populated city in the U.S. state of Maryland and the 30th most inhabited city in the United States. Compared to Albuquerque, Baltimore has a smaller land area comprising only 92.3 square miles.
Is Albuquerque Safer Than Baltimore?
With 100 as the safest, Baltimore’s crime index is four compared to one of Albuquerque. In comparison, the annual crime rates in Baltimore and Albuquerque are 47.64 and 63.28 per 1000 residents, respectively. Thus, Baltimore is safer than Albuquerque.
Based on statistics, Albuquerque does not seem to be a safe destination to visit. In 2020, it was included in the list of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Albuquerque’s crime rate is significantly higher than New Mexico’s other cities. You will also have a higher chance of being a property and violent crime victim here than in the entire state.
Meanwhile, though considered safer than Albuquerque, Baltimore, Maryland, is still well-known for its crime rate, which includes a violent crime rate that is much higher than the national average.
Is Albuquerque Warmer Than Baltimore?
The average temperature in Albuquerque ranges from 27°F to 93°F throughout the year, whereas Baltimore has 30°F to 89°F. Thus, Albuquerque is warmer than Baltimore.
Summers in Albuquerque are hot and dry, and the winters are brief, frigid, and snowy, while in Baltimore, summers are hot and humid, and the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy. The weather temperatures in Albuquerque are seldom falling below 18°F or rising over 99°F while Baltimore has 18°F or 97°F.
According to the tourist score, the perfect time to visit Albuquerque for warm-weather activities is from late May through late September, whereas Dallas is from mid-August to early October.
Is Albuquerque Better Than Baltimore?
Based on the current statistics, Baltimore has an annual average of 26 million foreign visitors compared to 6 million for Albuquerque. Thus, Baltimore is more successful in luring new residents.
Albuquerque’s most essential industries and fun events, including Summerfest Series, Freedom 4th, Albuquerque Renaissance Faire, Twinkle Light Parade, and International Balloon Fiesta, have enticed 6.2 million annual visitors, generating $69 million in local taxes.
On the other hand, Baltimore attracted 26 to 27 million visitors in previous years, according to visitation statistics published in 2018. Tourism brought in $5.9 billion in direct expenditure, bringing in $734 million in state and local income and supporting over 86,400 employments. Baltimore attracted more people because its thriving creative community shaped the city’s spirit, mood, and culture.
There is so much to do in Albuquerque and Baltimore. You can’t go wrong in either Albuquerque or Baltimore!
Albuquerque or Baltimore – Where do you consider moving? Let me know your thoughts below.