Albuquerque, NM, and Arlington, TX, are two unique cities each with their own attractions and challenges. Both offer plenty of entertainment, cultural diversity, and distinct features that cast them in their own light. The criteria we will focus on include crime rates, cost of living, educational opportunities, work and economic conditions, industries/occupations, tax rates, public transit, culture, sports, geography, and healthcare. These factors can greatly influence the decision to relocate or visit as a tourist.
Distance between
Albuquerque, NM and
Arlington, TX : 568.5 miles
Albuquerque's population is larger by 43%. Its population has grown by 113,992 people (25.4%) since 2000. The population of Arlington has grown by 59,817 people (18.0%) during that time.
Both Albuquerque and Arlington have crime rates that are higher than the national average. Albuquerque’s crime rate intensity is significantly higher, making it considered safer in Arlington. However, it's crucial to bear in mind that crime rates can vary by neighborhood within each city. Community involvement in local safety initiatives contributes positively to overall safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 848 registered sex offenders living in Albuquerque and 594 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Albuquerque is 660 to 1; the ratio in Arlington is 661 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Albuquerque is near to than in Arlington.
Cost of Living
Albuquerque has a lower cost of living compared to Arlington, primarily due to housing costs. Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are also marginally more affordable in Albuquerque. However, Arlington offers a slightly lower average cost for transportation. It's essential to consider personal lifestyle preferences when considering these average costs.
Income Tax
New Mexico, where Albuquerque is situated, has a progressive income tax rate ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. Texas, on the other hand, does not impose any state income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Albuquerque are less than in Arlington. It's crucial to take into account that Texas has one of the highest average property tax rates in the country.
Sales Tax
The total sales tax rate in Albuquerque is 7.88%, while Arlington sits at 8.25%. It's worth noting that Texas, where Arlington is located, does not have a state income tax.
Income
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Estimated median household income
$58,512
$59,889
Estimated per capita income
$35,738
$31,722
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.6
95.9
If you make $50,000 in Albuquerque, you will have to make $51,229 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Albuquerque is surrounded by desert planes and scenic mountains, offering numerous outdoor recreational activities. Arlington is located in the level Coastal Plains, with the scenic Lake Arlington a notable feature.
Both cities offer excellent educational opportunities, though their strengths differ. Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, a well-regarded research institution. Arlington houses the University of Texas at Arlington, known for its engineering and nursing programs. Both cities also have a wide range of highly-rated public and private lower education schools.
Arlington boasts a diverse economy with strong ties to the aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors. Its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth also gives residents access to a larger job market. Albuquerque's economy is based on technology, government, and culture which includes film and music.
Biggest Employers
Some of Albuquerque's biggest employers include the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque Public Schools, and Sandia National Laboratories. In Arlington, major employers include General Motors, Six Flags, and the University of Texas at Arlington.
There were 773 building permits issued in Albuquerque in 2012 (19 more than in 2011) compared to 976 building permits issued in Arlington in 2012 (744 more than in 2011).
In Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), 55.8% voted for Democrats and 39.4% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Arlington (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Arlington
2020
61.3%
49.3%
36.7%
49.1%
2.0%
1.6%
2016
52.4%
43.2%
34.6%
51.8%
13.0%
5.0%
2012
55.8%
41.4%
39.4%
57.1%
4.9%
1.4%
2008
60.2%
43.8%
38.8%
55.5%
1.0%
0.7%
2004
51.6%
37.0%
47.4%
62.5%
0.9%
0.5%
2000
48.8%
36.9%
46.8%
60.9%
4.4%
2.3%
1996
48.3%
41.6%
43.2%
50.9%
8.5%
7.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Arlington
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
11.1%
10.7%
1.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.6%
17.3%
11.4%
33.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
1.9%
0.8%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.3%
1.9%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.9%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.7%
0.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
2.2%
0.5%
0.9%
Weather
Albuquerque boasts a semi-arid climate, resulting in hot summers and mild winters. On the other hand, Arlington experiences a humid subtropical climate, leading to hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Both cities have ample sunshine throughout the year, making both attractive to people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather and climate
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Temperature - Average
55.6°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
44.3%
71.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
46%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
63%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
37.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
19.2 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.8%
22.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.7%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
9%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
82%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
73%
54%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Average climate in Arlington, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Arlington
Albuquerque
Arlington
2018
95
86
0.23
N/A
10.3
5.8
35.3
27.1
N/A
N/A
20.3
N/A
4.3
9.4
0.5
0.4
2017
82
86
0.24
N/A
10.4
6.2
33.5
27.2
N/A
N/A
18.4
N/A
5.7
9.1
0.4
0.3
2016
86
76
0.22
N/A
10.4
6.3
33.2
25.5
N/A
N/A
16.0
N/A
5.3
8.2
0.8
0.2
2015
84
80
0.23
N/A
11.2
6.5
30.8
24.8
N/A
N/A
16.0
N/A
6.1
8.6
0.7
0.3
2014
89
78
0.22
0.22
11.7
6.8
31.8
26.6
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
6.1
9.3
0.6
0.3
2013
91
96
0.22
0.25
11.8
6.4
34.1
27.2
N/A
N/A
21.8
N/A
5.7
11.0
0.8
0.2
2012
116
108
0.18
0.26
13.7
7.8
33.6
30.3
N/A
N/A
26.6
N/A
9.3
10.5
0.7
0.3
2011
130
96
0.21
0.23
13.5
8.2
34.0
30.7
N/A
N/A
28.6
N/A
9.9
9.5
0.4
0.6
2010
92
76
0.15
0.23
12.2
8.9
32.1
27.7
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
6.8
8.4
N/A
0.7
2009
81
91
0.16
0.25
12.5
8.7
30.4
29.5
N/A
N/A
26.2
N/A
6.9
8.5
N/A
0.5
2008
91
92
0.21
0.25
11.8
9.6
31.5
25.8
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
6.5
10.7
N/A
0.5
2007
112
95
0.29
0.30
13.0
10.6
31.4
24.6
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
6.7
9.8
N/A
0.5
2006
103
102
0.33
0.34
14.2
10.4
31.8
29.7
N/A
N/A
21.1
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.8
2005
85
110
0.32
0.34
13.9
11.7
29.7
28.4
N/A
N/A
20.0
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
1.0
2004
89
90
0.32
0.39
16.6
10.8
29.8
25.4
0.003
N/A
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2003
115
97
0.37
0.40
17.6
11.1
31.9
27.2
0.004
N/A
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2002
91
97
0.43
0.37
18.9
11.8
29.1
25.8
0.005
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
2001
81
88
0.67
0.48
17.2
14.7
29.4
25.0
N/A
N/A
20.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2000
95
104
0.81
0.55
17.0
14.5
27.9
26.2
N/A
N/A
17.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.4%
254.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
802.6%
558.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
23%
Transportation
Public transit is more extensive in Albuquerque, with the city offering bus, rapid transit, and train services. Arlington has a bus system, but lacks a city-wide train service. Both cities are car-centric with traffic relatively manageable in both cities.
Transport
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
362
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
17
5
Means of transportation to work
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Bicycle
0.9%
0.2%
Bus
0.8%
0%
Carpooled
9.6%
11.9%
Car alone
85.1%
85%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
2.3%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Average
24.5 min
26.1 min
Other means
20.8 min
27.6 min
Public transportation
37.8 min
45.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.6%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
6.6%
7.8%
In 3 person carpool
1.2%
2.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate tends to be more affordable in Albuquerque. Arlington, however, has seen a recent rise in property values due to its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth. Both cities offer a myriad of property types, appealing to a variety of lifestyle preferences.
Neighborhoods
Albuquerque is known for its historic neighborhoods with Pueblo-style architecture. Arlington offers a mix of both urban and suburban living, with different neighborhoods catering to various demographic groups. Each city has neighborhood associations committed to community improvement and engagement.
Houses and residents
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Houses
256,814
156,653
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.7
Median year apartment built
1983
1983
Median year house/condo built
1984
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
13 years
Houses occupied
243,582 (94.8%)
146,888 (93.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,964 (60.7%)
78,883 (53.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
95,618 (39.3%)
68,005 (46.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$893.82
$1,609
Median monthly housing costs
$1,021
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$171,149
$199,415
Estimated median house or condo value
$251,500
$254,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$290,578
$265,594
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$636,758
$415,006
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$274,794
$224,044
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$224,872
$131,545
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,392
$92,300
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$35,209
$23,762
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$209,825
$171,140
Median house price - All housing units
$271,083
$259,527
Median house age
38
37
Renting percentage
39.7%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,421.7
1,634.9
House value disparities
29.8%
25%
Household income disparities
45.9%
43.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,851
$97,883
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,195
$67,452
Housing units without a mortgage
1,631 (1.6%)
948 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,560 (3.6%)
1,684 (3.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
97,744 (98.4%)
46,456 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
309 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,864 (6.9%)
1,967 (4.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.1%
1.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Albuquerque
Arlington
One, detached
61.4%
60.2%
One, attached
6.6%
10.8%
Two
1.0%
1.5%
3 or 4
6.1%
4.3%
5 to 9
4.7%
5.7%
10 to 19
4.7%
7.7%
20 to 49
4.8%
3.3%
50 or more
6.3%
5.2%
Mobile homes
4.2%
1.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,060
10,953
State government workers
20,531
6,771
Unpaid family workers
359
396
Industries and Occupations
The predominant industries in Albuquerque include technology, healthcare, education, and the public sector. In contrast, Arlington's major industries include aerospace, education, distribution, and automotive manufacturing. Both cities offer a diverse range of jobs in various sectors.
Both cities have numerous high-quality healthcare facilities. Albuquerque's healthcare sector is robust due to strong research ties with the University of New Mexico. Arlington benefits from its location, giving residents access to a wider array of healthcare services in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Albuquerque's infrastructure is continually developing, with its Rapid Transit project and improvements to road and bridge structures. On the flip side, Arlington's infrastructure is relatively stable with significant investment in roads, expressways, and commercial and residential development.
Infrastructure
Type
Albuquerque
Arlington
Hospitals
36
39
TV stations
18
25
Arenas or stadiums
1
1
Bank branches located here
137
74
Bank institutions located here
24
23
Main business address for public companies
8
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Albuquerque
Arlington
1999
2,651
1,768
2000
1,303
1,198
2001
752
1,140
2002
693
847
2003
1,022
1,216
2004
1,729
1,504
2005
2,199
2,158
2006
2,639
2,107
2007
1,575
1,390
2008
654
558
2009
368
235
Culture and Food
Both cities offer a rich cultural heritage. Albuquerque is known for its Native American, Hispanic, and Western influences, reflected in its cuisine and arts. Arlington is part of the culturally diverse Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, showcasing a mix of traditional Texan, Mexican, and international cuisine.
Sports Teams
Arlington is home to major professional sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Texas Rangers (MLB). Meanwhile, Albuquerque doesn't have major professional sports teams but hosts minor league teams such as the Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB).
Albuquerque, NM
Arlington, TX
Albuquerque, NM and 
Arlington, TX : 568.5 miles
