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Moving from Arkansas to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

AR state flag
Living now

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

Median household income $56,335 · winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

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
Arkansas
86.9
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 6.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 26% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 1.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 0.8% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 8.7% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 1.1% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 30% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 18% more expensive 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
Arkansas
92°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 3.3% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 27% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 11% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 28% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 71% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 667% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasNew 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 Arkansas?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.1 for Arkansas — 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?

Arkansas tops out at 3.9% 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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