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Moving from Colorado to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

CO state flag
Living now

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

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
Colorado
103.1
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Colorado
127.4
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 42% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Colorado
100.8
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 2.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Colorado
100.5
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 1.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Colorado
16.7 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 12% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Colorado
100.6
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 2.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Colorado
$574,600
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 51% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Colorado
$1,627/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 42% 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
Colorado
86°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Colorado
18°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 22% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Colorado
46°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 18% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Colorado
245
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 13% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Colorado
17 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 10% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Colorado
74
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 34% lower AQI
Snow / year
Colorado
69 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 67% less annual snowfall

Get the full ColoradoNew 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 Colorado?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 103 for Colorado — 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?

Colorado tops out at 4.4% 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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