If you're thinking about relocating or even visiting, it's essential to compare your options. In this comparison between Albuquerque, NM, and Sacramento, CA, we'll delve into multiple aspects including crime and safety, weather, education, and more. Both cities have their unique charms, pros, and cons, and this guide is aimed at offering you a detailed perspective on life in each city.
Distance between
Albuquerque, NM and
Sacramento, CA : 854.3 miles
Albuquerque's population is larger by 7%. Its population has grown by 113,992 people (25.4%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
Crime rate in Albuquerque, NM is notably higher than national average, with violent and property crime both spiking high. Safety is a concern, and it's vital to take precautions. Sacramento, CA, on the other hand, registers a lower crime rate compared to Albuquerque but it’s still above the national average. Neighborhoods in Sacramento are generally safer, but it varies from area to area.
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 2,168 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Albuquerque is 660 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 228 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Albuquerque than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Albuquerque is substantially lower than Sacramento. This is heavily influenced by housing costs, which are over 50% lower in Albuquerque. Other factors like groceries and health are also more affordable in Albuquerque. Sacramento, while more costly, offers the benefits of Californian living with close proximity to major destinations and amenities.
Income Tax
New Mexico's state income tax, which Albuquerque follows, ranges from 1.7% to 4.9%. On the other hand, California has one of the highest state income taxes in the country, spanning from 1% to 13.3%, affecting Sacramento residents and workers.
Property Tax
Property tax is noticeably lower in Albuquerque, with an average rate of 0.78%, in contrast to Sacramento’s average rate of 0.76-1.25% depending on the area.
Sales Tax
Albuquerque's sales tax rate is 7.88%, while Sacramento charges higher at 8.75%. These rates can slightly impact the cost of living and vacation budgets.
Income
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$58,512
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$35,738
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.6
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Albuquerque, you will have to make $54,968 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Albuquerque, equipped with its mountainous desert countryside, is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. Sacramento's geography, with the Sacramento River, nearby forests, and proximity to the coastline, also offers a variety of outdoor recreation options.
Both cities have numerous educational opportunities. Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, while Sacramento boasts the reputable California State University, Sacramento. Albuquerque’s public schools underperform compared to the national average, whereas Sacramento’s public education is close to the national average. For tourists, both cities have museums and other educational attractions to visit.
Albuquerque's economy relies heavily on public sector jobs, with the federal government being a top employer. The city has also seen growth in the high-tech industry. Sacramento's economy is diverse, with government, healthcare, and education sectors leading. The city is also becoming a hub for startups.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Albuquerque include Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico. Sacramento's largest employers include the State of California, Sutter Health, and Kaiser Permanente.
There were 773 building permits issued in Albuquerque in 2012 (19 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), 55.8% voted for Democrats and 39.4% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
2020
61.3%
61.4%
36.7%
36.1%
2.0%
2.5%
2016
52.4%
58.0%
34.6%
33.8%
13.0%
8.3%
2012
55.8%
58.1%
39.4%
39.1%
4.9%
2.8%
2008
60.2%
58.4%
38.8%
39.4%
1.0%
2.2%
2004
51.6%
49.8%
47.4%
49.6%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
48.8%
49.4%
46.8%
45.4%
4.4%
5.2%
1996
48.3%
49.8%
43.2%
40.8%
8.5%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
16.2%
10.7%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.6%
1.7%
11.4%
8.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
1.9%
1.4%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.5%
1.9%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.9%
2.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.2%
1.7%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.9%
0.5%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.4%
0.5%
1.7%
Weather
Albuquerque showcases a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild to cool winters. It sees over 278 sunny days per year. Sacramento, in contrast, has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cool and wet. One noticeable difference is Sacramento's higher humidity compared to Albuquerque.
Weather and climate
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
55.6°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
44.3%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
46%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
63%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
19.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.8%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.7%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
9%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
82%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
73%
45%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Albuquerque
Sacramento
2018
95
121
0.23
0.32
10.3
9.7
35.3
24.7
N/A
0.002
20.3
28.9
4.3
12.7
0.5
N/A
2017
82
117
0.24
0.33
10.4
9.0
33.5
25.2
N/A
0.002
18.4
22.1
5.7
8.8
0.4
N/A
2016
86
103
0.22
0.44
10.4
8.0
33.2
25.3
N/A
0.002
16.0
14.0
5.3
9.0
0.8
N/A
2015
84
105
0.23
0.25
11.2
9.7
30.8
24.9
N/A
0.002
16.0
16.2
6.1
10.9
0.7
N/A
2014
89
99
0.22
0.24
11.7
10.2
31.8
24.9
N/A
0.002
22.0
15.6
6.1
9.6
0.6
N/A
2013
91
102
0.22
0.29
11.8
11.1
34.1
23.2
N/A
0.002
21.8
21.3
5.7
11.9
0.8
N/A
2012
116
107
0.18
0.31
13.7
10.5
33.6
25.2
N/A
0.002
26.6
15.2
9.3
7.9
0.7
N/A
2011
130
106
0.21
0.29
13.5
11.2
34.0
24.0
N/A
0.002
28.6
17.7
9.9
10.8
0.4
N/A
2010
92
109
0.15
0.29
12.2
11.2
32.1
22.8
N/A
N/A
25.1
16.9
6.8
9.3
N/A
0.5
2009
81
118
0.16
0.40
12.5
12.4
30.4
23.3
N/A
0.003
26.2
20.6
6.9
11.4
N/A
0.5
2008
91
130
0.21
0.40
11.8
14.9
31.5
25.4
N/A
N/A
20.8
24.3
6.5
13.6
N/A
0.5
2007
112
129
0.29
0.39
13.0
14.8
31.4
23.7
N/A
0.005
19.7
19.9
6.7
13.5
N/A
0.6
2006
103
124
0.33
0.49
14.2
15.4
31.8
22.7
N/A
N/A
21.1
23.7
N/A
13.0
N/A
0.5
2005
85
125
0.32
0.42
13.9
15.9
29.7
20.0
N/A
N/A
20.0
22.1
N/A
13.5
N/A
0.6
2004
89
119
0.32
0.49
16.6
15.8
29.8
19.1
0.003
N/A
21.5
22.7
N/A
13.3
N/A
0.6
2003
115
119
0.37
0.47
17.6
16.8
31.9
20.3
0.004
N/A
25.1
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2002
91
114
0.43
0.50
18.9
18.1
29.1
21.2
0.005
0.004
23.1
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2001
81
111
0.67
0.43
17.2
18.0
29.4
21.2
N/A
0.004
20.9
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2000
95
107
0.81
0.55
17.0
17.9
27.9
19.5
N/A
0.004
17.7
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.4%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
802.6%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
18%
Transportation
Albuquerque's public transit system, ABQ Ride, serves the city at large, but many residents rely on cars for commuting. Sacramento offers more robust public transit, including light rail and bus service. Commutes tend to be shorter in Sacramento.
Transport
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
17
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.9%
1.1%
Bus
0.8%
1%
Carpooled
9.6%
12%
Car alone
85.1%
80%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0%
0.1%
Walked
2.3%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Average
24.5 min
28.5 min
Other means
20.8 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
37.8 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.6%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
6.6%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.2%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Albuquerque's real estate market is more accessible, with the median home value significantly lower than in Sacramento. Sacramento's market is tighter and more expensive, driven by California's high demand and pricing.
Neighborhoods
Albuquerque offers diverse neighborhoods, from historic, artsy areas to more urban, downtown locales. Sacramento brims with distinctive neighborhoods, from upscale East Sacramento to hip, trendy Midtown. Tourists can soak in the vibe of both cities by exploring these unique neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Houses
256,814
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.6
Median year apartment built
1983
1977
Median year house/condo built
1984
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
243,582 (94.8%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,964 (60.7%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
95,618 (39.3%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$893.82
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,021
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$171,149
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$251,500
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.3
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$290,578
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$636,758
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$274,794
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$224,872
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$52,392
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$209,825
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$271,083
$481,210
Median house age
38
44
Renting percentage
39.7%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,421.7
2,168.8
House value disparities
29.8%
25.5%
Household income disparities
45.9%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,851
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,195
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
1,631 (1.6%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,560 (3.6%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
97,744 (98.4%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
309 (0.3%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,864 (6.9%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.1%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Albuquerque
Sacramento
One, detached
61.4%
61.7%
One, attached
6.6%
6.8%
Two
1.0%
1.8%
3 or 4
6.1%
4.8%
5 to 9
4.7%
6.9%
10 to 19
4.7%
4.9%
20 to 49
4.8%
3.5%
50 or more
6.3%
7.6%
Mobile homes
4.2%
1.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,060
12,891
State government workers
20,531
40,274
Unpaid family workers
359
755
Industries and Occupations
In Albuquerque, healthcare, education, and retail are major industries. In Sacramento, government, healthcare, and education reign supreme. In terms of occupation, Albuquerque sees more jobs in office and administrative support, while Sacramento has a broader occupational range due to its more diverse economy.
Albuquerque has numerous healthcare facilities, including the acclaimed University of New Mexico Hospital. Sacramento is dotted with state-of-the-art hospitals like UC Davis Medical Center and Mercy General Hospital. It boasts better healthcare overall due to the availability of more advanced facilities and greater number of healthcare providers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Albuquerque's infrastructure is marked by wide roads and highways. It has made significant efforts to improve bicycle infrastructure. Sacramento, known for its tree-lined streets, has been investing heavily in its infrastructure, particularly in public transportation and green energy projects.
Infrastructure
Type
Albuquerque
Sacramento
Hospitals
36
17
TV stations
18
23
Arenas or stadiums
1
1
Bank branches located here
137
127
Bank institutions located here
24
31
Main business address for public companies
8
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Albuquerque
Sacramento
1999
2,651
1,003
2000
1,303
1,155
2001
752
983
2002
693
1,197
2003
1,022
2,258
2004
1,729
3,872
2005
2,199
4,610
2006
2,639
4,276
2007
1,575
2,386
2008
654
1,381
2009
368
647
Culture and Food
Albuquerque boasts a vibrant mixed heritage culture with native, Spanish, and Mexican influences. Its culinary scene is renowned for its delicious New Mexican cuisine, particularly green and red chile. Sacramento, "the Farm-to-Fork Capital," offers diverse cuisine showcasing local and fresh ingredients from surrounding farms. Both cities boast a thriving arts scene.
Sports Teams
Albuquerque has minor league sports, with popular teams like the Albuquerque Isotopes (baseball) and New Mexico United (soccer). Sacramento is home to the NBA team Sacramento Kings, AFL team Sacramento Republic FC, and several minor league teams.
Albuquerque, NM
Sacramento, CA
Albuquerque, NM and 
Sacramento, CA : 854.3 miles
