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Moving from Montana to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small 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
Montana
94.6
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 2.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 13% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 0.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
New Mexico
98.8
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 9.9% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
New Mexico
98.4
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo

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

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

Avg summer high
Montana
83°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 7.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 57% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 24% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 36% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 2.0% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Montana
42
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 55% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaNew Mexico report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico than Montana?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana — 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% 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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