Albuquerque, New Mexico | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Albuquerque, NM

Situated in the heart of the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with modern amenities. Known for its stunning desert landscapes, historic Old Town, and the annual International Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque offers travel nurses a unique and fulfilling experience.​

💰 Cost of Living

Albuquerque boasts a cost of living approximately 6% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are about 13% less, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $1,317/month. Utilities are also affordable, averaging $187.67/month for energy bills. ​Payscale

🌤️ Weather by Month

Albuquerque experiences a high-desert climate with four distinct seasons, offering over 310 days of sunshine annually. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:​

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	47°F	23°F	❄️ Cold and dry; occasional snow.
February	53°F	27°F	🌤️ Chilly with increasing sunshine.
March	61°F	33°F	🌼 Warming up; potential for spring blooms.
April	70°F	41°F	🌷 Mild with low humidity.
May	79°F	50°F	☀️ Pleasant temperatures; ideal for outdoor activities.
June	89°F	59°F	🔥 Hot and dry; start of summer.
July	92°F	64°F	🌦️ Warm with occasional monsoon rains.
August	89°F	63°F	🌦️ Warm with scattered thunderstorms.
September	82°F	55°F	🍂 Cooling down; beautiful fall colors.
October	71°F	43°F	🎃 Crisp air; first frost possible.
November	58°F	31°F	🍁 Cooler with increasing chance of snow.
December	47°F	23°F	❄️ Cold and dry; festive atmosphere.

The wettest month is August, averaging 1.73 inches of precipitation, while February is the driest with 0.44 inches. ​RSS Weather

🏡 Furnished Housing Options

Finding comfortable, furnished housing is essential for travel nurses. Here are some options in Albuquerque:​

🛏️ 1-Bedroom Options

1. Cozy 1BR Condo in Nob Hill near UNM

   • Features: Fully furnished, utilities included, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly.

   • Rent: $1,200/month

   • Listing: Furnished Finder​

2. Beautiful Southwest Home

   • Features: Private room, utilities included, Wi-Fi.

   • Rent: $1,200/month

   • Listing: Furnished Finder​

🛏️ 2-Bedroom Options

1. Adorable 2 Bedroom with Large Fenced Yard

   • Features: Fully furnished, pet-friendly, utilities included, Wi-Fi.

   • Rent: $1,850/month

   • Listing: Furnished Finder​US Climate Data+2womo-abenteuer.de+2Visit Albuquerque+2

2. Downtown 2 Bedroom 1 Bath House with Garage

   • Features: Fully furnished, pet-friendly, utilities included, Wi-Fi.

   • Rent: $2,400/month

   • Listing: Furnished Finder

     
     
     
     

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel accommodations, Albuquerque offers several extended stay options:​

1. Extended Stay America – Albuquerque

   • Features: Fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry.

   • Website: Extended Stay America​

2. Siegel Select Albuquerque

   • Features: Furnished suites, full kitchens, pet-friendly.

   • Website: Siegel Select​

3. InTown Suites Albuquerque

   • Features: Affordable weekly rates, in-room kitchens, Wi-Fi.

   • Website: InTown Suites

     
     

🚐 RV Parks

If you're traveling with an RV, Albuquerque has several parks to accommodate you:​

1. Albuquerque KOA Journey

   • Features: Full hookups, Wi-Fi, pool, pet-friendly.

   • Website: KOA Albuquerque​

2. High Desert RV Park

   • Features: Spacious sites, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi.

   • Website: High Desert RV Park​Good Sam+3Route 66 RV Resort+3Visit Albuquerque+3

3. Route 66 RV Resort

   • Features: Luxury amenities, pool, casino nearby.

   • Website: Route 66 RV Resort

   
   
   
   

🎉 Fun Things to Do in Albuquerque

There’s no shortage of culture, nature, and adventure in the Duke City! Whether you’re into festivals, hiking, or history, here are some must-do experiences:

🎈 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Held every October, this world-famous event fills the sky with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons. A total bucket-list experience!

🌵 Sandia Peak Tramway

Ride one of the world’s longest aerial tramways to panoramic mountain views. Sunset rides are breathtaking!

🛍️ Old Town Albuquerque

Step back in time with cobblestone streets, adobe shops, galleries, and authentic New Mexican restaurants.

🌌 Petroglyph National Monument

Hike through volcanic rock landscapes while viewing thousands of ancient petroglyphs.

🧠 Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum

A fun, interactive museum for all ages—perfect if you’re traveling with family or love hands-on learning.

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

Albuquerque is perfectly located for unforgettable road trips! Here are a few worth adding to your calendar:

• 🏞️ Santa Fe, NM – Just over an hour away, it’s packed with art galleries, historic adobe architecture, and an upscale food scene.

• 🏔️ Jemez Springs, NM – A peaceful mountain escape with hot springs and scenic drives through red rock canyons.

• 🏜️ Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness – A surreal badlands landscape about 3 hours northwest—perfect for hiking and photography.

• 🌄 White Sands National Park – About 3.5 hours south—worth the drive to explore wave-like gypsum sand dunes.

• 🌆 El Paso, TX – A border city adventure with rich culture and amazing tacos, about 4 hours south.

🧭 Summary

Albuquerque is where vibrant Southwestern culture, spectacular scenery, and affordable living come together. Whether you're working downtown, wandering through Old Town, or catching sunrise from the Sandia Crest, this city has a little magic for everyone 🌅🌮

✅ Lower-than-average cost of living

✅ Warm weather and tons of sunshine

✅ Great housing and extended stay options

✅ Unique RV parks and outdoor escapes

✅ Culture, color, and community all in one place

Ready to float into your next assignment? 🎈 Albuquerque is waiting for you.

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.