Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physical therapist in Albuquerque earns roughly $84,754/yr (~$4,905/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,050/mo — that's 21% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
NM · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist Afford to Live in Albuquerque?
Using local salary estimates and Albuquerque's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physical therapist in Albuquerque, NM in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$84,754/yr local estimate
$7,063
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.9% state income tax
-$2,158
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,905
1BR rent
21% of take-home
-$1,050
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$145
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$325
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,035
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Albuquerque could save roughly $14,568/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 21% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 21% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Albuquerque is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $84,754/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on Albuquerque's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Albuquerque for a Physical Therapist
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Nob Hill
Route 66 corridor, walkable restaurants and bars, mid-century architecture; 1BR $950–1,300
Uptown / Journal Center
Commercial center, newer apartments, corporate offices, easy access; 1BR $1,000–1,400
Old Town / Downtown
Adobe architecture, galleries, museums, historic core; 1BR $950–1,300
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physical Therapist in Albuquerque?
A Physical Therapist in Albuquerque earns approximately $84,754 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Albuquerque's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Albuquerque affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 21% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physical therapist can live comfortably in Albuquerque with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Albuquerque?
After federal taxes, 4.9% state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $84,754/yr takes home roughly $4,905/month in Albuquerque.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Albuquerque?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Albuquerque costs a median of $1,050/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 21% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.