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Moving from Arizona to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

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
Arizona
100.7
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 8.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 31% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arizona
100.2
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 2.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 1.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 5.0% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 1.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,416/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 34% 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
Arizona
105°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 15% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 49% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 13% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
286
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 2.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 11% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
48
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 2.1% higher AQI
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 130% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaNew 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 Arizona?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona — 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?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% 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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