on $100k a year, leaving Chicago
changea dispatch from
albuquerque
NM
35.08°N
106.65°W
Albuquerque is green chile on everything, the Sandia Mountains turning pink at sunset (the name literally means watermelon), and the Balloon Fiesta in October when 500+ hot air balloons fill the sky. The old town adobes feel like the 1700s, the food fuses Native, Mexican, and Spanish in ways you won't get anywhere else. Breaking Bad fans will recognize half the city, and locals are good-natured about it.
in our guides
the verdict
lighter monthly cost than Chicago
Albuquerque gives you room Chicago doesn't. Same gross salary, lower monthly cost of living.
a quick ledger.
$1,489/mo
31% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
5.9%
$79/mo more in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,353/mo
$602 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$351k
4% cheaper than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
924k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
205
pleasant days a year, in albuquerque.
Chicago keeps to 153 pleasant days a year. Summer is real but not punishing: 34 days top 95° vs Chicago's 1.
Noticeably quieter than Chicago. About 97% fewer events on a typical month.
81/100
16% higher than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Sandia Mountain Wilderness, 13.4 mi.
94/100
6% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
23
89% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
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