Performance
Score Breakdown
Aberdeen
Albuquerque
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Albuquerque is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Aberdeen.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Albuquerque | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,081 | $1,180 | -8% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 | -18% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,031 | $1,950 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 91 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Albuquerque offers 25% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Albuquerque delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Aberdeen is estimated at
$43,240 vs $47,196 in Albuquerque.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $57,742 | $77,000 |
| Salary Needed | $43,240 | $47,196 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,428 idx | 84,615 idx |
| Household Income | $64,405 | $68,317 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 44.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Aberdeen has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Albuquerque.
Albuquerque scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Albuquerque leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 12 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 52.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 43.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 25.60 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Albuquerque is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Aberdeen.
From a growth perspective, Aberdeen is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aberdeen has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,189 | 555,119 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 36.4 | 38.8 |
| Unemployment | 1.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Aberdeen
Advantages
Aberdeen boasts a significantly lower cost of living, estimated to be 6% below the U.S. national average in 2026.
The average commute time in Aberdeen is exceptionally short, at just 11.9 minutes as of 2024.
The violent crime rate is 72% below the national average, contributing to a high safety score.
Aberdeen has a high industry diversity of 98.7%, indicating strong economic stability.
Avera St. Luke's Hospital was recognized among America's 100 Best for Coronary Intervention in 2026, highlighting quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
Aberdeen's population is currently declining, with a projected annual rate of -0.37% in 2026.
The city is largely car-dependent, with a walkability score of 39 and limited public transit options.
Employment in Aberdeen declined by -2.54% from 2023 to 2024.
Winters in Aberdeen are described as freezing, snowy, and windy, with an average January low of 6°F.
Some healthcare facilities, like Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, declined to respond to Leapfrog Group on several patient safety and equity measures.
Albuquerque
Advantages
The cost of living in Albuquerque is approximately 9.2% lower than the national average, making it an affordable city.
Albuquerque boasts a mild, dry climate with around 310 days of sunshine annually, ideal for outdoor activities.
Public transportation (ABQ RIDE) operates on a permanent Zero Fares program, offering free bus services since January 2022.
The city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, including numerous museums and the renowned International Balloon Fiesta.
Healthcare costs are about 12% cheaper than the typical U.S. city, contributing to overall affordability.
Drawbacks
Albuquerque is largely a car-dependent city, with a walkability score of 43, making many errands difficult without a vehicle.
Despite some decreases in violent crime, the overall crime rate in Albuquerque increased as of August 2024, and burglaries rose by 11% in 2024.
The city's population is currently experiencing a slight decline, with an annual decrease of -0.26% in 2026.
The average annual job growth rate for the Albuquerque MSA was modest at 0.72% in 2024.
Traffic congestion levels average 25.6% in 2025, leading to increased travel times.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Aberdeen
#8South Dakota, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,081
Avg Salary
$57,742
Cost Index
94
Commute
12 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
1.70%
Livability
80
Business
75
Albuquerque
#36New Mexico, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,180
Avg Salary
$77,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
52.0/10
Walkability
43.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
70
Business
65
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