Comparing Albuquerque, New Mexico and South Aurora, Colorado depicts two dynamic and diverse American cities each with a unique set of strengths and challenges. From cost of living and education to jobs and culture, each location caters to different lifestyle needs. Albuquerque, known for its gorgeous mountains, high-altitude desert climate and vibrant arts scene, differs significantly from South Aurora’s suburban appeal, which touts excellent schools, a robust economy, and access to Denver’s metropolitan attributes.
Albuquerque's crime rate is relatively higher compared to South Aurora's. According to FBI statistics, Albuquerque experiences more violent and property crimes than the national average. The higher crime rates could discourage some potential people from relocating or visiting. In contrast, South Aurora is considered safer with crime rates lower than the national average, making it more appealing to families and individuals concerned with safety.
Cost of Living
Albuquerque's cost of living is lower than the US average, making it an attractive destination for people looking to maximize disposable income. In contrast, South Aurora’s cost of living is higher than both the state and national averages, largely due to higher housing costs, but the city's residents generally have higher median incomes.
Income Tax
Both New Mexico, where Albuquerque is located, and Colorado, where South Aurora is located, have state income tax. However, Colorado's state income tax rate is a flat rate while New Mexico uses a graduated system where the rate increases as income grows.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in both Albuquerque and South Aurora are relatively low compared to the national average. However, because housing is more expensive in South Aurora, homeowners there may pay more in property taxes.
Sales Tax
Albuquerque has a higher sales tax rate compared to South Aurora. When in Albuquerque, you can generally expect to pay more for goods and services due to its higher sales tax rate. South Aurora enjoys a lower sales tax, which can make consumer goods and services somewhat more affordable.
Income
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Estimated median household income
$58,512
$80,212
Estimated per capita income
$35,738
$39,129
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.6
110.1
If you make $50,000 in Albuquerque, you will have to make $58,814 in South Aurora to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Albuquerque is located near the Sandia Mountains and along the Rio Grande, providing ample opportunities for hiking and biking, while South Aurora, at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, offers stunning mountain views and nearby access to ski resorts.
Geographical information
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Land area
180.6 sq. miles
78.4 sq. miles
Population density
3,114.4 people per sq. mile
4,199.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Albuquerque, NM South Aurora, CO
Education
Both cities have access to quality education systems. Albuquerque Public Schools is the largest school district in New Mexico, offering a variety of educational programs for students. South Aurora is served by the highly rated Cherry Creek School District, one of the best in Colorado. Both cities are near reputable higher education institutions including the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and several colleges in the Denver area for South Aurora.
Albuquerque's economy is fueled by industries such as healthcare, retail, and education. However, South Aurora, as part of the Denver Metropolitan area, provides more diverse job opportunities in technology, aerospace, healthcare, and finance. High-tech industries are significantly present in South Aurora, which contributes to a higher median income compared to Albuquerque.
Biggest Employers
In Albuquerque, some of the biggest employers are Sandia National Laboratories, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque Health Services, and Kirtland Air Force Base. In South Aurora, HealthONE, Raytheon, and Cherry Creek School District are among the largest employers. The Denver Tech Center, a hub of technology and telecommunications businesses, is also near South Aurora.
In Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), 55.8% voted for Democrats and 39.4% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In South Aurora (Arapahoe County), 54.4% voted for Democrats and 44.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
2020
61.3%
61.3%
36.7%
36.6%
2.0%
2.1%
2016
52.4%
53.1%
34.6%
38.9%
13.0%
8.1%
2012
55.8%
54.4%
39.4%
44.4%
4.9%
1.3%
2008
60.2%
56.0%
38.8%
43.0%
1.0%
1.0%
2004
51.6%
47.6%
47.4%
51.6%
0.9%
0.8%
2000
48.8%
43.6%
46.8%
51.6%
4.4%
4.8%
1996
48.3%
41.9%
43.2%
50.8%
8.5%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
12.1%
10.7%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.6%
1.6%
11.4%
9.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.9%
1.7%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
2.0%
1.9%
4.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.9%
2.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
1.0%
1.7%
2.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.9%
0.5%
1.0%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.5%
0.7%
0.3%
Weather
Albuquerque has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers, mild winters, and limited rainfall. It's sunny most of the year, lending to outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. South Aurora, on the other hand, experiences a more continental climate, with a wider range of temperatures through the seasons, and more snowfall in the winter. It's generally colder than Albuquerque.
Weather and climate
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Temperature - Average
55.6°F
49.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
44.3%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
46%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
63%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
17.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
19.2 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.8%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
82.7%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
9%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
82%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
73%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Average climate in South Aurora, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Albuquerque
South Aurora
2018
95
99
0.23
0.37
10.3
21.6
35.3
31.9
N/A
N/A
20.3
29.2
4.3
8.5
0.5
0.7
2017
82
95
0.24
0.37
10.4
22.0
33.5
31.8
N/A
N/A
18.4
22.0
5.7
8.4
0.4
0.9
2016
86
90
0.22
0.43
10.4
24.0
33.2
31.3
N/A
N/A
16.0
22.6
5.3
8.1
0.8
1.0
2015
84
101
0.23
0.44
11.2
23.0
30.8
30.2
N/A
N/A
16.0
20.6
6.1
9.6
0.7
1.1
2014
89
94
0.22
0.43
11.7
22.0
31.8
30.3
N/A
N/A
22.0
22.7
6.1
10.1
0.6
1.3
2013
91
84
0.22
0.39
11.8
19.7
34.1
30.7
N/A
N/A
21.8
22.0
5.7
N/A
0.8
1.4
2012
116
90
0.18
0.34
13.7
18.9
33.6
31.4
N/A
N/A
26.6
24.3
9.3
N/A
0.7
1.2
2011
130
91
0.21
0.34
13.5
18.1
34.0
31.5
N/A
N/A
28.6
23.8
9.9
N/A
0.4
1.5
2010
92
81
0.15
0.41
12.2
16.3
32.1
29.3
N/A
N/A
25.1
26.6
6.8
N/A
N/A
1.0
2009
81
79
0.16
0.37
12.5
14.1
30.4
27.3
N/A
0.005
26.2
22.6
6.9
N/A
N/A
1.3
2008
91
85
0.21
0.41
11.8
17.3
31.5
29.1
N/A
0.008
20.8
25.5
6.5
N/A
N/A
1.6
2007
112
96
0.29
0.41
13.0
20.6
31.4
25.7
N/A
0.007
19.7
28.9
6.7
N/A
N/A
1.2
2006
103
89
0.33
0.50
14.2
19.0
31.8
25.4
N/A
0.026
21.1
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2005
85
86
0.32
0.57
13.9
21.3
29.7
22.7
N/A
0.106
20.0
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2004
89
82
0.32
0.61
16.6
21.2
29.8
21.6
0.003
0.035
21.5
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
2003
115
106
0.37
0.61
17.6
21.2
31.9
23.4
0.004
0.038
25.1
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2002
91
86
0.43
0.64
18.9
19.2
29.1
23.0
0.005
0.027
23.1
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
2001
81
95
0.67
0.79
17.2
23.8
29.4
20.8
N/A
0.029
20.9
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
2000
95
93
0.81
0.77
17.0
13.7
27.9
21.7
N/A
0.032
17.7
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.4%
137.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
802.6%
797.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
10%
Transportation
Albuquerque offers various public transit options, including buses and a limited rail system. However, a vehicle is often necessary due to the city's spread-out nature. South Aurora benefits from its access to Denver's extensive public transportation system, including light rail and commuter trains, and the robust highway infrastructure, making commuting more flexible.
Transport
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
17
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Bicycle
0.9%
0.2%
Bus
0.8%
3.5%
Carpooled
9.6%
12%
Car alone
85.1%
78.6%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
2.3%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Average
24.5 min
27.5 min
Real Estate
Albuquerque's real estate is more affordable compared to South Aurora. The median home cost in Albuquerque is notably less than in South Aurora. Rent prices in Albuquerque are also generally lower. South Aurora’s real estate market is more expensive, but the homes tend to be newer and the areas more suburban.
Neighborhoods
Albuquerque boasts culturally rich neighborhoods, each offering unique charms. Old Town, for example, showcases the city's Spanish colonial past. Conversely, South Aurora’s neighborhoods like Tallyn's Reach and Saddle Rock provide modern suburban comforts, including newly constructed homes, parks, and shopping centers.
Houses and residents
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
Houses
256,814
119,373
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.6
Houses occupied
243,582 (94.8%)
115,977 (97.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,964 (60.7%)
76,163 (65.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
95,618 (39.3%)
39,814 (34.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$893.82
$1,519
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$171,149
$836,561
Estimated median house or condo value
$251,500
$439,151
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
7.2
Renting percentage
39.7%
38.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,421.7
1,522.9
Household income disparities
45.9%
40.8%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,631 (1.6%)
6,903 (10.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,560 (3.6%)
358 (0.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
97,744 (98.4%)
57,942 (89.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
309 (0.3%)
5,373 (8.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,864 (6.9%)
10,116 (15.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.1%
0.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,060
8,665
State government workers
20,531
4,200
Unpaid family workers
359
351
Industries and Occupations
In Albuquerque, healthcare and education are two of the largest employment sectors, with the University of New Mexico and the University of New Mexico Hospital being large employers. In South Aurora, health care, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services are the predominant sectors. South Aurora's proximity to Denver also provides job opportunities in industries such as technology and finance.
Albuquerque has several high-quality healthcare facilities, including the UNM Hospital which is highly ranked in neurology and neurosurgery. South Aurora has access to the highly rated healthcare facilities in Denver including the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, which is nationally ranked in several specialties.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Albuquerque's infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, are generally sufficient but some areas may be aging and require improvements. South Aurora, as part of a larger metropolitan area, typically has more modern and robust infrastructure, including a comprehensive water management system and well-maintained roads.
Infrastructure
Type
Albuquerque
South Aurora
TV stations
18
14
Culture and Food
Albuquerque has a rich blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences, reflected in its art, architecture, and food. The city is famous for its annual International Balloon Fiesta, chile peppers, and folk art. South Aurora, although more suburban, has a growing food and art scene. It also benefits from the proximity to Denver's cultural hubs and culinary diversity.
Sports Teams
Albuquerque has one professional sports team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, a minor league baseball team. South Aurora residents have access to Denver's multiple professional sports teams such as the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL).
Albuquerque, NM
South Aurora, CO
