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Moving from New Jersey to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

NJ state flag
Living now

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

Median household income $97,126 · winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days

Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

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
New Jersey
108.8
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 15% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Jersey
134.3
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 45% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Jersey
102.2
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 4.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Jersey
101.3
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 2.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 37% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Jersey
101.8
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 3.3% lower transportation
Median home value
New Jersey
$496,000
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 44% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Jersey
$1,554/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 40% 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
New Jersey
86°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
New Jersey
24°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 8.3% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Jersey
53°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 2.9% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Jersey
207
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 34% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Jersey
48 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 69% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Jersey
44
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 11% higher AQI
Snow / year
New Jersey
24 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 4.2% less annual snowfall

Get the full New JerseyNew 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 New Jersey?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 110.5 for New Jersey — 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?

New Jersey 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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