Salary Comparison
Architects: Phoenix vs Albuquerque
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Phoenix, AZ
$99,550/yr
Albuquerque, NM
$76,430/yr
Our recommendation: Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix offers $837 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Phoenix
Albuquerque
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$99,550
$76,430
+$23,120
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,056
$4,650
+$1,406
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
100
79
+21 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,685
$2,116
+$569
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,550
$1,130
+$420
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,371
$2,534
+$837
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.26×
2.20×
+0.06×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
8/10 (Comfortable)
8/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Phoenix — Full Details
Albuquerque — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.