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Moving from District of Columbia to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

DC
Living now

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban 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
District of Columbia
109.9
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 16% lower overall price level
Housing index
District of Columbia
155.0
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 53% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
District of Columbia
106.5
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 7.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
District of Columbia
101.5
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 2.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 42% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
District of Columbia
102.0
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 3.5% lower transportation
Median home value
District of Columbia
$733,400
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 62% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
New Mexico
$1,117/mo
New Mexico is 42% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
District of Columbia
88°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 1.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
District of Columbia
28°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 21% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
District of Columbia
57°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 5.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
District of Columbia
197
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 41% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
District of Columbia
45 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 67% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
District of Columbia
53
New Mexico
53
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
District of Columbia
0
New Mexico
100
Snow / year
District of Columbia
11 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 109% more annual snowfall

Get the full District of ColumbiaNew Mexico report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico than District of Columbia?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 117.4 for District of Columbia, 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?

District of Columbia tops out at 10.75% 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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