Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico and Mesa, the third largest city in Arizona both offer ample amenities, yet have distinct differences. Both cities have outdoor recreational facilities owing to their sunny weather, but crime rates, cost of living, and tax burden significantly diverge. Analyzing various aspects, including safety, education, economy, real-estate, culture and sports, will offer a comprehensive comparison for individuals considering relocating or visiting.
Distance between
Albuquerque, NM and
Mesa, AZ : 315.9 miles
Albuquerque's population is larger by 10%. Its population has grown by 113,992 people (25.4%) since 2000. The population of Mesa has grown by 113,100 people (28.5%) during that time.
Unfortunately, Albuquerque has a higher crime rate than the national average and ranks higher than Mesa. Violent crime, in particular, is a point of concern. Mesa tends to be safer in comparison, with crime rates closer to the national average. While both cities have their areas of concern, on the whole, tourists and residents would generally find Mesa to be safer.
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 635 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Albuquerque is 660 to 1; the ratio in Mesa is 763 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Albuquerque is near to than in Mesa.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Albuquerque generally has a lower cost compared to Mesa, particularly in housing. This is crucial information for individuals looking to relocate. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare costs are also generally lower in Albuquerque, making it more affordable for living and tourism.
Income Tax
New Mexico, and by association Albuquerque, has a state income tax with multiple brackets based on income level. Arizona also has state income tax but it is at a generally lower rate. This might be a point to consider for people earning high incomes.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Albuquerque are considerably lower than in Mesa, making Albuquerque's housing market more appealing to potential home owners.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is typically higher in Albuquerque, which has a combined city and state rate. In comparison, Mesa's combination of state, county and city sales tax is slightly lower. This is a crucial point for those wanting to start a business or frequently purchase goods.
Income
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Estimated median household income
$58,512
$69,266
Estimated per capita income
$35,738
$35,439
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.6
101
If you make $50,000 in Albuquerque, you will have to make $53,953 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Albuquerque, sitting a mile high, has a mountainous desert landscape with the Sandia Mountains to the east. Mesa is on a plateau and surrounded by the Superstition Mountains and the desert. Both offer outdoor activities, but Albuquerque has a more varied landscape.
Mesa has a solid educational foundation with a larger selection of schools and higher graduation rates compared to Albuquerque. It is home to several higher education institutions, including Arizona State University Polytechnic campus. Albuquerque also has higher education facilities including the University of New Mexico, but faces more challenges in primary and secondary education.
Albuquerque has a developing economy led by sectors such as healthcare and education. It is home to a number of research institutions and laboratories. Mesa's economy is more diverse, with contributions from healthcare, education, and retail. The aviation and aerospace industries also have a significant presence.
Biggest Employers
In Albuquerque, some of the largest employers include the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, and Kirtland Air Force Base. On the other hand, Mesa's economy is driven by banner health, the public school system, and Boeing Company.
There were 773 building permits issued in Albuquerque in 2012 (19 more than in 2011) compared to 2,046 building permits issued in Mesa in 2012 (1543 more than in 2011).
In Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), 55.8% voted for Democrats and 39.4% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Mesa (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
2020
61.3%
50.2%
36.7%
48.0%
2.0%
1.8%
2016
52.4%
44.9%
34.6%
47.7%
13.0%
7.5%
2012
55.8%
43.6%
39.4%
54.3%
4.9%
2.1%
2008
60.2%
44.0%
38.8%
54.5%
1.0%
1.5%
2004
51.6%
42.4%
47.4%
57.0%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
48.8%
43.0%
46.8%
53.4%
4.4%
3.6%
1996
48.3%
44.5%
43.2%
47.2%
8.5%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
13.6%
10.7%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.6%
1.9%
11.4%
6.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
1.9%
1.3%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.8%
1.9%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.9%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.7%
1.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.3%
0.7%
0.6%
Weather
Both Albuquerque and Mesa enjoy sunny weather, but there are slight differences. Albuquerque, placed high in the desert, sees colder winters and less extreme summers compared to Mesa. Mesa is hot, especially in the summer with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. It boasts a typical hot desert climate, with mild winters. Both cities see little rainfall, with Albuquerque getting slightly more.
Weather and climate
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Temperature - Average
55.6°F
71.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
44.3%
37.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
46%
48%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
63%
60%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
9.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
19.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.8%
35.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.7%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
9%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
82%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
73%
79%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Average climate in Mesa, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
Albuquerque
Mesa
2018
95
200
0.23
0.28
10.3
15.1
35.3
34.8
N/A
N/A
20.3
28.1
4.3
7.5
0.5
0.6
2017
82
128
0.24
0.28
10.4
15.8
33.5
35.1
N/A
N/A
18.4
24.5
5.7
8.2
0.4
1.4
2016
86
121
0.22
0.31
10.4
15.7
33.2
34.6
N/A
N/A
16.0
21.5
5.3
6.8
0.8
0.4
2015
84
104
0.23
0.34
11.2
17.6
30.8
33.4
N/A
N/A
16.0
17.7
6.1
6.8
0.7
0.9
2014
89
135
0.22
0.33
11.7
19.6
31.8
34.0
N/A
N/A
22.0
30.8
6.1
8.4
0.6
1.1
2013
91
141
0.22
0.31
11.8
19.9
34.1
34.8
N/A
N/A
21.8
29.3
5.7
5.8
0.8
0.9
2012
116
159
0.18
0.38
13.7
21.2
33.6
33.7
N/A
N/A
26.6
37.9
9.3
8.1
0.7
1.3
2011
130
205
0.21
0.31
13.5
18.5
34.0
34.1
N/A
N/A
28.6
40.4
9.9
9.5
0.4
0.9
2010
92
100
0.15
0.31
12.2
16.4
32.1
32.9
N/A
N/A
25.1
29.5
6.8
8.3
N/A
1.2
2009
81
109
0.16
0.33
12.5
16.6
30.4
32.3
N/A
N/A
26.2
37.8
6.9
N/A
N/A
1.0
2008
91
106
0.21
0.29
11.8
17.5
31.5
34.2
N/A
N/A
20.8
39.9
6.5
N/A
N/A
1.1
2007
112
134
0.29
0.43
13.0
19.3
31.4
31.0
N/A
N/A
19.7
50.6
6.7
N/A
N/A
1.9
2006
103
138
0.33
0.44
14.2
22.1
31.8
30.9
N/A
N/A
21.1
57.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2005
85
109
0.32
0.49
13.9
22.6
29.7
30.0
N/A
N/A
20.0
49.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2004
89
97
0.32
0.51
16.6
22.4
29.8
30.4
0.003
N/A
21.5
33.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2003
115
99
0.37
0.56
17.6
24.0
31.9
31.7
0.004
N/A
25.1
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2002
91
110
0.43
0.69
18.9
24.9
29.1
28.0
0.005
N/A
23.1
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2001
81
105
0.67
0.65
17.2
23.8
29.4
27.2
N/A
N/A
20.9
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2000
95
117
0.81
0.76
17.0
29.8
27.9
27.1
N/A
N/A
17.7
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.4%
18.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
802.6%
2,348.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
16%
Transportation
Public transit is more developed in Albuquerque, which offers an extensive network of bus services. ABQ Ride serves the greater Albuquerque area, connecting different neighborhoods. Mesa is highly car-dependent, though it does offer select local bus services and a light rail line connecting downtown Mesa to Phoenix and other Valley Metro Light Rail cities.
Transport
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
828
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
17
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Bicycle
0.9%
0.6%
Bus
0.8%
0.3%
Carpooled
9.6%
14.4%
Car alone
85.1%
79.9%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.5%
Walked
2.3%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Average
24.5 min
25 min
Other means
20.8 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
37.8 min
45.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.6%
85.8%
In 2 person carpool
6.6%
11.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.2%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
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 accessible in Albuquerque, with a median home value lower than both the national average and Mesa's average. In contrast, Mesa's real estate market is more competitive, with higher property values – an important consideration for potential residents.
Neighborhoods
Albuquerque is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, each with distinctive character. Nob Hill and Old Town are some of the popular ones. Mesa also has a diversity of neighborhoods, from the historic West End to the more suburban East End. Each city offers a range of options to suit different lifestyle and budget preferences.
Houses and residents
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Houses
256,814
221,995
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.6
Median year apartment built
1983
1987
Median year house/condo built
1984
1989
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
243,582 (94.8%)
199,112 (89.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,964 (60.7%)
126,146 (63.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
95,618 (39.3%)
72,966 (36.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$893.82
$1,890
Median monthly housing costs
$1,021
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$171,149
$262,297
Estimated median house or condo value
$251,500
$350,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$290,578
$421,563
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$636,758
$124,748
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$274,794
$226,327
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$224,872
$250,077
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,392
$70,636
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$35,209
$94,693
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$209,825
$256,984
Median house price - All housing units
$271,083
$364,728
Median house age
38
33
Renting percentage
39.7%
36.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,421.7
1,776.1
House value disparities
29.8%
31.1%
Household income disparities
45.9%
42.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,851
$97,987
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,195
$63,218
Housing units without a mortgage
1,631 (1.6%)
1,338 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,560 (3.6%)
5,628 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
97,744 (98.4%)
80,572 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
309 (0.3%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,864 (6.9%)
7,236 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.1%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Albuquerque
Mesa
One, detached
61.4%
55.9%
One, attached
6.6%
6.6%
Two
1.0%
1.0%
3 or 4
6.1%
5.1%
5 to 9
4.7%
6.0%
10 to 19
4.7%
5.0%
20 to 49
4.8%
2.8%
50 or more
6.3%
5.3%
Mobile homes
4.2%
11.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,060
10,562
State government workers
20,531
6,039
Unpaid family workers
359
830
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Albuquerque reflect its status as a growing tech hub with many occupations in healthcare, education, and research. Mesa features a diverse economy with jobs across sectors like retail, healthcare, and education, with a significant presence in aviation and aerospace.
Both cities possess quality healthcare, though Albuquerque is home to larger medical facilities, including the University of New Mexico Hospital. Mesa, while not having such large institutions, is in the vicinity of Phoenix, which is a significant healthcare center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in both cities is modern but Albuquerque, being older, has a unique blend of new and historical features. Mesa, on the other hand, boasts consistently high-quality city services, with ongoing improvements in infrastructure. Both cities have quality hospitals and well-maintained roads, but Mesa generally gets higher marks for infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Albuquerque
Mesa
Hospitals
36
13
TV stations
18
18
Bank branches located here
137
97
Bank institutions located here
24
22
Main business address for public companies
8
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Albuquerque
Mesa
1999
2,651
2,532
2000
1,303
2,428
2001
752
1,854
2002
693
1,520
2003
1,022
1,991
2004
1,729
2,897
2005
2,199
3,857
2006
2,639
3,727
2007
1,575
1,896
2008
654
765
2009
368
440
Culture and Food
Albuquerque is deeply influenced by a mix of cultures, including Native American, Spanish and Mexican, resulting in a distinct Southwestern flavor. Its annual International Balloon Fiesta is an event of note. Mesa, with its proximity to Phoenix, has a diverse cultural scene, and its culinary fare includes everything from traditional Mexican to modern fusion cuisines.
Sports Teams
Albuquerque houses the Albuquerque Isotopes, a Triple-A baseball team, and New Mexico United, a professional soccer team. Mesa does not have its own professional sports teams, but the city is a host to spring training for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics.
Albuquerque, NM
Mesa, AZ
Albuquerque, NM and 
Mesa, AZ : 315.9 miles
