Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Kansas to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Plains, aviation industry, university towns. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

KS state flag
Living now

Kansas

Capital: Topeka

Median household income $69,747 · winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days

Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

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
Kansas
90.1
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 2.4% higher overall price level
Housing index
Kansas
71.2
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 3.5% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Kansas
97.5
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 0.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Kansas
98.5
New Mexico
98.8
Electricity rate
Kansas
15.3 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 3.5% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kansas
98.0
New Mexico
98.4
Median home value
Kansas
$238,700
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 17% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kansas
$861/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 8.8% 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
Kansas
89°F
New Mexico
89°F
Avg winter low
Kansas
21°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 4.8% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kansas
55°F
New Mexico
54°F
Sunny days / year
Kansas
217
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 28% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kansas
32 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 53% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kansas
38
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 29% higher AQI
Snow / year
Kansas
16 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 44% more annual snowfall

Get the full KansasNew 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 Kansas?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.1 for Kansas — 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?

Kansas tops out at 5.58% 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.

Related comparisons