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Moving from Alaska to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

AK state flag
Living now

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

NM state flag
Moving to

New Mexico

Capital: Santa Fe

Median household income $58,722 · winter low 22°F · 278 sunny days

Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

New Mexico has an overall price level 92.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alaska
102.4
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 9.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Alaska
93.8
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 22% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Alaska
100.6
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 2.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Alaska
100.4
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 1.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 45% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alaska
100.5
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 2.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Alaska
$376,500
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 26% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alaska
$1,048/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 11% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 89°F · Winter low 22°F · 278 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alaska
65°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 37% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Alaska
8°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 175% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alaska
33°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 65% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alaska
142
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 96% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alaska
42 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 64% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Alaska
8
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 513% higher AQI
Snow / year
Alaska
85 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 73% less annual snowfall

Get the full AlaskaNew Mexico report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico than Alaska?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.2 for Alaska — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Alaska tops out at 0% income tax. New Mexico tops out at 5.9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Mexico?

Most New Mexico residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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