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Moving from Illinois to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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
Illinois
100.0
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 7.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 22% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 1.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 21% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 1.5% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
New Mexico
$279,900
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 20% 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
Illinois
85°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 4.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 16% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 3.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 47% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 63% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Illinois
40
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 23% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 21% more annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisNew 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 Illinois?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

Illinois tops out at 4.95% 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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