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Moving from Idaho to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

ID state flag
Living now

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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
Idaho
95.5
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 3.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 18% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Idaho
98.9
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 0.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
New Mexico
98.8
Electricity rate
Idaho
13 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 14% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 0.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 37% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,057/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
Idaho
87°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 2.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
New Mexico
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
199°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 73% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Idaho
19
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 1363% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
34 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 56% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Idaho
50
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 2.0% lower AQI
Snow / year
23 in

Get the full IdahoNew 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 Idaho?

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

Idaho tops out at 5.3% 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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