A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America New York City vs. Albuquerque for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit New York City or Albuquerque?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for New York City and Albuquerque. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a traditional, cosmopolitan, and cultural town. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

New York City and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Home to the Statue of Liberty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in New York City or Albuquerque?

Travelers will usually find more to do in New York City than Albuquerque, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. New York City is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Albuquerque is known for its historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. New York City is more touristy than Albuquerque and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also home to The Statue of Liberty. Albuquerque is popular for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes.

How is New York City different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albuquerque and New York City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in New York City or Albuquerque?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit New York City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Albuquerque offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.


Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Theater?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Albuquerque is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Albuquerque is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in New York City or Albuquerque? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albuquerque. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

New York City is a world class party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.


Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Music?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Albuquerque is not a live music destination.

New York City is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Albuquerque is not a live music destination.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

New York City
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, New York City does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Albuquerque can be explored in its historical center. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

New York City
Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, New York City is not a hiking destination.

Albuquerque offers some nice hiking trails. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

New York City is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in New York City or Albuquerque?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in New York City. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Albuquerque is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Christmas?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Albuquerque does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in New York City. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Albuquerque does not offer Christmas activities.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a great city for visiting Christmas markets. However, Albuquerque does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to New York City to see its Christmas markets. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Albuquerque does not offer Christmas markets.


Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Families?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

New York City is a very family-friendly destination. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Albuquerque is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Albuquerque is not known for backpackers.

New York City is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Albuquerque is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds around that offer affordable and fun places to stay, but in general this town isn't particularly backpacker friendly.


Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Students?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Albuquerque is a good city to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

Is New York City or Albuquerque Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Albuquerque is not known for its public transit.

New York City has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

Is New York City or Albuquerque a more walkable city?

New York City
Albuquerque

New York City is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Albuquerque is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Albuquerque is a somewhat walkable place. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.


For even more information, also check out Is New York City Worth Visiting? and Is Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or New York City?

How long in New York City or Albuquerque?

It's fun to spend time in either New York City or Albuquerque. Generally, people tend to spend more time in New York City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for New York City, and 2-4 days is enough time in Albuquerque.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Albuquerque. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Albuquerque. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Albuquerque if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in New York City.


  • How many days in New York City or Albuquerque? Ideal Length of Stay
    New York City 3-7 
    Albuquerque 2-4

One day in New York City or Albuquerque?

New York City is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Albuquerque. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in New York City or Albuquerque?

New York City is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albuquerque. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in New York City or Albuquerque?

New York City is a cosmopolitan city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Albuquerque. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


A week in New York City or Albuquerque?

New York City is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Albuquerque. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Albuquerque or New York City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in New York City is $326, while the average daily cost in Albuquerque is $135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for New York City and Albuquerque in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    New York City $175
    Albuquerque $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    New York City $350
    Albuquerque $138
Compare Hotels in New York City and Albuquerque

Looking for a hotel in New York City or Albuquerque? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in New York City


Hotels in Albuquerque


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: New York City Hotel Prices and Albuquerque Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    New York City $49
    Albuquerque $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New York City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:


  • Subway
    $4.50
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.00
  • Subway
    $2.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City

Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Philadelphia: $524
  • La Guardia Airport Private Limousine Transfer: $489
  • Skip-the-line Tickets to Bronx Zoo with Private Transfers: $410
  • JFK Airport To Manhattan Luxury SUV Transfer: $370
  • JFK Departure - Private Van Transfers to JFK Airport: $300
  • Empire State Building NYC Tour, Pre-booked Tickets, Transfer: $300
  • Empire State Building NYC Tour, Pre-booked Tickets, Transfer: $300
  • Private New York City Airport Departure Transfer : $299
  • Skip-the-line One World Observatory Tour with Transfers: $296
  • Skip the line One World Observatory Private Tour with Transfers : $296
  • Central Park Zoo Skip the line Tickets and Private Transfers : $291
  • Central Park Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets & Private Transfers: $291

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albuquerque

Also for Albuquerque, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer To Albuquerque Airport ABQ: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Albuquerque Airport (ABQ): $40
  • Albuquerque to Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Round-Trip Transfer: $250
  • Albuquerque Airport to Truth or Consequences Private Transfer: $125
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Pagosa Springs Private Transfer: $174
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
  • Albuquerque Airport (ABQ) to Albuquerque - Arrival Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into New York City or Albuquerque?

Prices for flights to both Albuquerque and New York City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    New York City $50
    Albuquerque $41
Typical Food Prices in New York City

For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Gelato
    $7.50
  • Snacks for Two at Yankees Game
    $34
  • Coffee
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City

For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New York, Queens Culinary Stroll : Food Tour on Foot: $23
  • New York City Pizza Crawl: Best of Manhattan route: $37
  • Lower East Side and Essex Market Multicultural Food Tour: $39
  • Half-Day Private Pizza Crawl in Manhattan: $40
  • Shared Food Tour Bohemian Greenwichvillage: $45
  • East Village Food Tour: $60
  • NYC: Greenwich Village Guided Food Tour: $63
  • Pizza Walking Tour of Downtown Brooklyn: $65
  • East Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • West Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • Greenwich Village Pizza Walk: $65
  • Downtown Brooklyn Pizza Walking Tour: $65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albuquerque

For Albuquerque, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albuquerque, NM: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    New York City $180
    Albuquerque $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in New York City

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Comedy Show Tickets
    $56
  • City Map
    $8.00
  • Broadway Musical
    $111
  • Broadway Show Program
    $10
  • Magazine
    $6.99

Tours and Activities in New York City

For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Days Niagara Falls USA, Watkins Glen and Scenic Hotel Tour : $257
  • 3 Hour Session at Williamsburg's Adventure Park Area 53: $42
  • 9/11 Memorial Tour with Skip-the-Line Museum Ticket: $55
  • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Amish FarmNHouse Tour from NY: $137
  • Classic 1-Hour Central Park Pedicab Tour : $69
  • Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour: $35
  • New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village: $36
  • Official Central Park Pedicab Tours: $50
  • THE VIP CARRIAGE RIDE with photo stops (50min) ~ Skip the line : $150
  • & Juliet on Broadway Ticket : $110
  • & Juliet on Broadway Ticket with VIP Experience and Lunch: $299
  • 1 Day Tour to Philadelphia and Hershey's Chocolate World: $179

Tours and Activities in Albuquerque

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Albuquerque.

  • 12pm - Public High Noon History, Legends & Lore Tour - Guided Old Town Stroll: $35
  • 4pm - 75 Minute Private Ghost Tour Up To 5 People For All Ages in New Mexico: $108
  • 6pm PRIVATE GHOST TOUR of Old Town - 90 Minutes: $135
  • ABQ Beer Tour: A Curated Craft Beer Experience in the Land of Enchantment: $105
  • ABQ City Guided History Tour: $35
  • Albuquerque Old Town Art Tour with Wine & Museum Admission: $85
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $49
  • Albuquerque Snowshoe Experience: $135
  • Albuquerque’s Family Adventure of A Journey of Discovery: $287
  • Albuquerque’s Family Adventure: A Journey of Discovery: $606

For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.


Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    New York City $29
    Albuquerque $20

Sample the Local Flavors in New York City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:

  • NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $19
  • NYC West Village Pub Crawl: $21
  • New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $34
  • NYC: Brooklyn Nightlife Pub Crawl: $34
  • NYC Pub Crawl and Rooftop Clubbing Experience: $35
  • NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • New York Rooftop Pub Crawl: $39
  • NYC: Manhattan's Only Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $42
  • Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
  • Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl: $64
  • East Village Gangster Ghost Pub Crawl: $64
  • Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between New York City and Albuquerque, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Albuquerque much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Albuquerque would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Albuquerque and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Albuquerque.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is New York City Expensive? and Is Albuquerque Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, New York City or Albuquerque?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Albuquerque. When comparing the sizes of New York City and Albuquerque, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.