Denver, CO, often referred to as the "Mile High City" given its elevation, and Albuquerque, NM, the city of "Breaking Bad" fame, each hold their unique charms and attractions. Compared on different fronts such as safety, climate, cost of living, education, economy, and more, Denver and Albuquerque offer varied experiences for residents and tourists alike. These cities have both similarities and differences in lifestyle, culture, infrastructure and economic opportunities. This comparison provides an unbiased view of life in both these cities to aid in making an informed decision about relocation or visiting.
Distance between
Denver, CO and
Albuquerque, NM : 331.4 miles
Denver's population is larger by 27%. Its population has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) since 2000. The population of Albuquerque has grown by 113,992 people (25.4%) during that time.
Albuquerque has been struggling with crime rates, which are significantly higher than the national average. The crime issue is a notable concern for those considering relocation, as neighborhood safety is crucial for a quality lifestyle. On the other hand, Denver's crime rate is also above the national average, but it's lower than Albuquerque's. Denver's downtown area has more instances of crime, especially at night, while residential neighborhoods are generally safer.
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 1,991 registered sex offenders living in Denver and 886 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Denver is 348 to 1; the ratio in Albuquerque is 631 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Denver than in Albuquerque.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Denver is higher than the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare are similar to the national average. In contrast, Albuquerque boasts a lower cost of living, with housing offering more affordability compared to Denver. However, household income tends to be lower in Albuquerque.
Income Tax
Colorado has a flat state income tax rate which is applicable in Denver, while New Mexico, and by extension Albuquerque, has a progressive state income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Denver are relatively low compared to the national average, making homeownership more affordable. Albuquerque also features low property tax rates, contributing to its affordable housing market.
Sales Tax
Denver's sales tax is higher than Albuquerque's due to additional city and county taxes. Albuquerque sales tax is lower but still higher than the national average.
Income
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Estimated median household income
$81,630
$58,512
Estimated per capita income
$52,690
$35,738
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
111.3
93.6
If you make $50,000 in Albuquerque, you will have to make $59,455 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Denver is located near the Rocky Mountains, providing residents and visitors great options for outdoor activities. Albuquerque is located in the high desert and also offers wonderful outdoor activities, including hiking and hot air ballooning.
Both Denver and Albuquerque place a high value on education. Denver's public school system is large and diverse, with numerous top-rated schools. Additionally, Denver houses several prestigious universities. Albuquerque also has reputable public and private schools and is home to the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College.
Denver's economy is robust and diversified, with significant growth in the tech, healthcare, and aerospace sectors. The unemployment rate is lower than the national average. In contrast, Albuquerque's economy is growing slowly, with healthcare, public education, and defense driving economic growth. Albuquerque's unemployment rate is higher than Denver's.
Biggest Employers
In Denver, some of the largest employers are Lockheed Martin, Centura Health, and Comcast. Albuquerque's biggest employers include the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, and Kirtland Air Force Base.
There were 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011) compared to 773 building permits issued in Albuquerque in 2012 (19 more than in 2011).
In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% 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
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
2020
80.1%
61.3%
18.3%
36.7%
1.6%
2.0%
2016
74.2%
52.4%
19.0%
34.6%
6.8%
13.0%
2012
73.9%
55.8%
24.3%
39.4%
1.7%
4.9%
2008
75.8%
60.2%
23.2%
38.8%
1.0%
1.0%
2004
69.7%
51.6%
29.3%
47.4%
0.9%
0.9%
2000
62.0%
48.8%
30.9%
46.8%
7.0%
4.4%
1996
61.8%
48.3%
30.0%
43.2%
8.2%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.6%
26.5%
8.7%
10.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.1%
0.1%
4.3%
0.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.1%
0.7%
3.2%
1.9%
SALVATION ARMY
1.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
2.6%
6.8%
11.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
3.0%
1.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.5%
0.3%
0.9%
0.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.4%
2.7%
1.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
2.3%
1.7%
Weather
Denver is known for its 300 days of sunshine a year, despite its snowy winters. The city has four clearly defined seasons, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy a variety of seasonal activities. Albuquerque, however, is characterized by a high desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is significantly lower in Albuquerque compared to Denver, and there’s a notable increase in sunshine hours.
Weather and climate
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Temperature - Average
49.5°F
55.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
44.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
46%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
63%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
17%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17 in
9.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
19.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
27.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
82.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
82%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
73%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Average climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
Denver
Albuquerque
2018
100
95
0.50
0.23
25.4
10.3
27.9
35.3
N/A
N/A
29.2
20.3
8.6
4.3
0.7
0.5
2017
95
82
0.49
0.24
25.9
10.4
27.6
33.5
N/A
N/A
22.0
18.4
8.4
5.7
0.8
0.4
2016
90
86
0.53
0.22
27.7
10.4
27.2
33.2
N/A
N/A
22.6
16.0
8.7
5.3
1.0
0.8
2015
101
84
0.53
0.23
27.8
11.2
25.2
30.8
N/A
N/A
21.0
16.0
10.4
6.1
1.0
0.7
2014
94
89
0.53
0.22
25.4
11.7
24.6
31.8
N/A
N/A
25.1
22.0
10.1
6.1
1.3
0.6
2013
85
91
0.45
0.22
21.9
11.8
24.0
34.1
N/A
N/A
24.4
21.8
N/A
5.7
1.5
0.8
2012
91
116
0.33
0.18
18.9
13.7
26.2
33.6
N/A
N/A
24.9
26.6
N/A
9.3
1.4
0.7
2011
91
130
0.34
0.21
18.1
13.5
25.8
34.0
N/A
N/A
23.7
28.6
N/A
9.9
1.6
0.4
2010
82
92
0.43
0.15
16.3
12.2
23.6
32.1
N/A
N/A
26.4
25.1
N/A
6.8
1.0
N/A
2009
79
81
0.41
0.16
14.1
12.5
23.1
30.4
0.005
N/A
22.2
26.2
N/A
6.9
1.3
N/A
2008
85
91
0.43
0.21
17.3
11.8
26.0
31.5
0.008
N/A
25.2
20.8
N/A
6.5
1.6
N/A
2007
96
112
0.37
0.29
20.6
13.0
21.9
31.4
0.007
N/A
30.2
19.7
N/A
6.7
1.2
N/A
2006
89
103
0.51
0.33
19.0
14.2
22.1
31.8
0.008
N/A
28.0
21.1
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2005
86
85
0.57
0.32
21.3
13.9
20.9
29.7
0.068
N/A
30.9
20.0
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2004
82
89
0.60
0.32
21.2
16.6
19.2
29.8
0.012
0.003
28.6
21.5
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2003
106
115
0.60
0.37
21.2
17.6
20.8
31.9
0.015
0.004
32.6
25.1
N/A
N/A
1.9
N/A
2002
86
91
0.65
0.43
19.2
18.9
20.4
29.1
0.014
0.005
35.7
23.1
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2001
95
81
0.86
0.67
23.6
17.2
18.6
29.4
0.012
N/A
32.6
20.9
N/A
N/A
2.6
N/A
2000
93
95
0.81
0.81
13.4
17.0
19.2
27.9
0.013
N/A
12.2
17.7
N/A
N/A
2.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
129.5%
6.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
811.7%
802.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
10%
9%
Transportation
Both Denver and Albuquerque have extensive public transit systems, with Denver's boasting a more extensive rail network. Denver also has a significant number of biking and walking paths. While Albuquerque offers buses and a train service, commuting is often easier by car.
Transport
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
602
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
17
Means of transportation to work
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Bicycle
1.5%
0.9%
Bus
2.6%
0.8%
Carpooled
8.8%
9.6%
Car alone
81.1%
85.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
1.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2.8%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Average
29.4 min
24.5 min
Other means
24.2 min
20.8 min
Public transportation
38 min
37.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.6%
91.6%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
6.6%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Denver's real estate market is one of the hottest in the nation, with soaring home prices, though rental rates are more moderate. Albuquerque's real estate market is more affordable, with many lower-priced homes and a more stable rental market.
Neighborhoods
Denver offers a blend of urban and suburban neighborhoods each with their own distinct charm. From the stylish LoDo to the family-friendly Stapleton, there's a neighborhood for everyone. Albuquerque features historic neighborhoods like Old Town, artsy areas like Nob Hill, and quiet family-focused areas like North Valley.
Houses and residents
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Houses
351,829
256,814
Average household size (people)
2.2
2.4
Median year apartment built
1981
1983
Median year house/condo built
1966
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.3 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
326,634 (92.8%)
243,582 (94.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,429 (50.3%)
147,964 (60.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
162,205 (49.7%)
95,618 (39.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,674
$893.82
Median monthly housing costs
$1,626
$1,021
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$970,375
$171,149
Estimated median house or condo value
$541,500
$251,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.4
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$690,450
$290,578
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$668,727
$636,758
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$410,273
$274,794
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$487,647
$224,872
Median house price - mobile homes
$174,140
$52,392
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$568,100
$209,825
Median house price - All housing units
$644,007
$271,083
Median house age
47
38
Renting percentage
50%
39.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,294.3
1,421.7
House value disparities
26.4%
29.8%
Household income disparities
44%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,615
$87,851
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$77,011
$63,195
Housing units without a mortgage
2,112 (1.7%)
1,631 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,615 (7.6%)
3,560 (3.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
123,690 (98.3%)
97,744 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
273 (0.2%)
309 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,819 (10.2%)
6,864 (6.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Denver
Albuquerque
One, detached
42.9%
61.4%
One, attached
8.3%
6.6%
Two
2.1%
1.0%
3 or 4
3.1%
6.1%
5 to 9
3.6%
4.7%
10 to 19
7.0%
4.7%
20 to 49
10.4%
4.8%
50 or more
22.0%
6.3%
Mobile homes
0.4%
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
24,661
14,060
State government workers
15,204
20,531
Unpaid family workers
763
359
Industries and Occupations
Denver is notable for its diverse range of industries including technology, telecommunications, aerospace, and energy. In contrast, Albuquerque's economy is led by healthcare, public education, defense and technology sectors.
Denver has excellent healthcare facilities, with some ranked among the best in the nation. The healthcare scene in Albuquerque is also well-developed, with a number of high-quality medical facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver's urban development has been strategic and effective, including diverse housing options, modernized roads, and central commercial districts. Public spaces and parks blend with the urban landscape. Albuquerque, while more sprawling, offers charm through its unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.
Infrastructure
Type
Denver
Albuquerque
Hospitals
16
36
TV stations
17
18
Arenas or stadiums
4
1
Bank branches located here
205
137
Bank institutions located here
43
24
Main business address for public companies
58
8
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Denver
Albuquerque
1999
2,727
2,651
2000
2,698
1,303
2001
1,996
752
2002
1,591
693
2003
2,472
1,022
2004
3,789
1,729
2005
5,168
2,199
2006
5,506
2,639
2007
3,599
1,575
2008
1,902
654
2009
768
368
Culture and Food
Denver offers a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums, and renowned culinary diversity. The city's craft beer culture is a draw for many. Albuquerque, rich in Native American and Hispanic culture, features unique southwestern cuisine. It's also noted for the annual International Balloon Fiesta.
Sports Teams
Denver is home to popular sports teams like the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), and Rockies (MLB). Albuquerque has fewer professional sports teams, the most notable being the Albuquerque Isotopes, a Minor League Baseball team.
Denver, CO
Albuquerque, NM
