Columbus, Ohio, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, offer unique living experiences with different advantages. Columbus is a bustling Midwest city known for its education and healthcare sectors, while Albuquerque's charm lies in its rich culture, cuisine, and outdoor recreational activities. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, one may appeal to you more than the other. Here's a comparison to help you understand the difference.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Albuquerque, NM : 1,332.5 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 61%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Albuquerque has grown by 113,992 people (25.4%) during that time.
Columbus and Albuquerque both have crime rates higher than the national average. The crime rate in Albuquerque is notably higher with concern around property crime, although efforts are being made to curb this. Columbus' crime rate is lower, but varies by neighborhood. It's always crucial to research individual communities before relocating or visiting.
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 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 848 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Albuquerque is 660 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Columbus is near to than in Albuquerque.
Cost of Living
Albuquerque generally has a lower cost of living compared to Columbus. This includes aspects like housing, groceries, health, and transportation. However, Columbus' cost of living remains lower than the national average, making both cities attractive for relocation or short-term stay.
Income Tax
Ohio has a progressive income tax, meaning higher earners pay more. New Mexico has a comprehensive income tax system, but generally, rates are lower than in Ohio.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Ohio are higher than those in New Mexico, with Columbus being no exception. New Mexico, including Albuquerque, is known for its relatively low property tax rates.
Sales Tax
Columbus has a lower combined state and local sales tax rate (7.5%) compared to Albuquerque's rate (7.875%). However, both cities have rates that are relatively comparable to the national average.
Income
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$58,512
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$35,738
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
93.6
If you make $50,000 in Albuquerque, you will have to make $51,335 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The geography of the cities is distinctive. Columbus is characterized by flat land, rivers, and green spaces. Albuquerque sits in the high desert and is surrounded by the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande. It also has a higher elevation than Columbus.
Columbus is home to Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S, and its education sector is robust. On the other hand, Albuquerque offers quality education through the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. Both cities value and promote continuous learning, and there are numerous activities for growth and enrichment.
Economically, Columbus and Albuquerque have different strengths. Columbus has a well-diversified economy with strengths in education, healthcare, government, and insurance sectors. Conversely, Albuquerque's economy is based more on technology, including solar energy, semiconductors, and nanotechnology, to name a few.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, Ohio State University, Nationwide, and OhioHealth are among the biggest employers. For Albuquerque, Sandia National Laboratories, University of New Mexico, and Kirtland Air Force Base provide a large volume of jobs.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 773 building permits issued in Albuquerque in 2012 (19 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), 55.8% voted for Democrats and 39.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
2020
64.7%
61.3%
33.4%
36.7%
1.9%
2.0%
2016
59.8%
52.4%
33.9%
34.6%
6.2%
13.0%
2012
60.8%
55.8%
37.9%
39.4%
1.3%
4.9%
2008
59.8%
60.2%
39.0%
38.8%
1.2%
1.0%
2004
54.5%
51.6%
45.2%
47.4%
0.3%
0.9%
2000
48.9%
48.8%
47.9%
46.8%
3.2%
4.4%
1996
48.1%
48.3%
44.5%
43.2%
7.3%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
26.5%
5.6%
10.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.4%
3.7%
1.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
2.6%
6.8%
11.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.3%
1.9%
0.5%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.1%
3.3%
0.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
1.3%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.0%
1.7%
Weather
Weather is a contrasting feature between these two cities. Columbus experiences a typical Midwest climate with cold winters, hot summers, and precipitation throughout the year. Albuquerque experiences a semi-arid climate, with milder winters, hot summers, and relatively lower humidity and precipitation.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
55.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
44.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
46%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
63%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
17%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
9.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
19.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
27.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
82.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
82%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
73%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
Columbus
Albuquerque
2018
69
95
0.11
0.23
10.0
10.3
33.8
35.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.3
6.0
4.3
0.0
0.5
2017
68
82
0.16
0.24
9.6
10.4
28.7
33.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.4
5.5
5.7
0.1
0.4
2016
76
86
0.17
0.22
10.6
10.4
28.5
33.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.0
5.6
5.3
0.1
0.8
2015
74
84
0.16
0.23
11.3
11.2
27.0
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.0
6.1
6.1
0.1
0.7
2014
82
89
0.20
0.22
11.0
11.7
28.5
31.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.0
7.4
6.1
0.5
0.6
2013
78
91
N/A
0.22
8.9
11.8
29.6
34.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.8
7.8
5.7
0.6
0.8
2012
87
116
N/A
0.18
N/A
13.7
32.9
33.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.6
8.9
9.3
N/A
0.7
2011
89
130
N/A
0.21
N/A
13.5
28.1
34.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.6
8.9
9.9
N/A
0.4
2010
90
92
N/A
0.15
N/A
12.2
30.5
32.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.1
9.1
6.8
N/A
N/A
2009
61
81
N/A
0.16
N/A
12.5
28.7
30.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.2
N/A
6.9
N/A
N/A
2008
65
91
N/A
0.21
N/A
11.8
31.2
31.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
6.5
1.8
N/A
2007
80
112
N/A
0.29
N/A
13.0
30.8
31.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
6.7
2.8
N/A
2006
75
103
N/A
0.33
N/A
14.2
30.0
31.8
N/A
N/A
23.7
21.1
N/A
N/A
3.3
N/A
2005
87
85
N/A
0.32
N/A
13.9
29.6
29.7
N/A
N/A
27.5
20.0
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2004
77
89
N/A
0.32
N/A
16.6
27.8
29.8
0.003
N/A
24.6
21.5
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
2003
91
115
N/A
0.37
N/A
17.6
26.4
31.9
0.004
N/A
23.9
25.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2002
93
91
N/A
0.43
N/A
18.9
31.3
29.1
0.005
N/A
25.7
23.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2001
84
81
N/A
0.67
N/A
17.2
29.2
29.4
N/A
N/A
25.9
20.9
N/A
N/A
3.5
N/A
2000
57
95
N/A
0.81
N/A
17.0
N/A
27.9
N/A
N/A
23.5
17.7
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
6.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
802.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
9%
Transportation
Columbus offers various public transportation options, including bus service through the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Vehicle commute times are reasonable. Albuquerque, meanwhile, provides transit services through ABQ RIDE buses and the New Mexico Rail Runner commuter train. Traffic congestion is less prevalent in Albuquerque.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
17
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Bicycle
0.6%
0.9%
Bus
1.6%
0.8%
Carpooled
7.4%
9.6%
Car alone
86.7%
85.1%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2.2%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Average
26.1 min
24.5 min
Other means
21.7 min
20.8 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
37.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
91.6%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
6.6%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is generally more affordable in Albuquerque than in Columbus. While Columbus offers a mix of urban and suburban living, Albuquerque offers homes with Southwestern flair and stunning views of the Sandia Mountains.
Neighborhoods
Columbus features neighborhoods like German Village with historical homes, while the Short North is renowned for its vibrant art and dining scene. Albuquerque offers historic Old Town, charming Nob Hill, and family-friendly Northeast Heights among others.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Houses
422,120
256,814
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.4
Median year apartment built
1982
1983
Median year house/condo built
1977
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
243,582 (94.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
147,964 (60.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
95,618 (39.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$893.82
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,021
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$171,149
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$251,500
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$290,578
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$636,758
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$274,794
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$224,872
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$52,392
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$27,006
$35,209
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$209,825
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$271,083
Median house age
42
38
Renting percentage
53%
39.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,421.7
House value disparities
30.2%
29.8%
Household income disparities
42.4%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$87,851
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$63,195
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,631 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
3,560 (3.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
97,744 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
309 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
6,864 (6.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Albuquerque
One, detached
45.8%
61.4%
One, attached
9.1%
6.6%
Two
4.0%
1.0%
3 or 4
8.6%
6.1%
5 to 9
11.8%
4.7%
10 to 19
8.6%
4.7%
20 to 49
4.5%
4.8%
50 or more
6.8%
6.3%
Mobile homes
0.8%
4.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
14,060
State government workers
31,881
20,531
Unpaid family workers
724
359
Industries and Occupations
Columbus' major industries include healthcare, insurance, and education. It also has several large corporations providing ample employment opportunities. In Albuquerque, the key industries are technology, healthcare, and tourism, with a growing focus on solar energy and other renewables.
Columbus is a powerhouse in healthcare with nationally renowned hospitals. Albuquerque also offers quality healthcare with leading institutions like the University of New Mexico Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Columbus advantageously sits at the crossroads of the state, providing a robust transportation network that uses road, rail, and air. Conversely, Albuquerque's infrastructure includes the Sunport, which is New Mexico's largest airport, and the Rail Runner train system, which connects communities throughout the region.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Albuquerque
Hospitals
47
36
TV stations
14
18
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
200
137
Bank institutions located here
25
24
Main business address for public companies
23
8
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Albuquerque
1999
2,450
2,651
2000
2,376
1,303
2001
1,897
752
2002
1,483
693
2003
2,087
1,022
2004
3,216
1,729
2005
4,275
2,199
2006
4,662
2,639
2007
2,679
1,575
2008
1,015
654
2009
555
368
Culture and Food
Both cities offer vibrant cultures and delicacies. Columbus is known for its university energy, with sports, the performing arts, and a burgeoning food scene. Albuquerque offers diverse cultures, with Pueblo, Navajo, and Spanish influences, leading to a distinctive cuisine featuring green and red chilies as a staple.
Sports Teams
Sports fans are well-catered for in both cities. Columbus houses NHL's Blue Jackets, MLS's Columbus Crew, and the beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Albuquerque doesn't have major league sports teams but is home to the minor league baseball team Isotopes and the United soccer club.
Columbus, OH
Albuquerque, NM
Columbus, OH and 
Albuquerque, NM : 1,332.5 miles
