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Moving from New Mexico to Alaska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

NM state flag
Living now

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.

AK state flag
Moving to

Alaska

Capital: Juneau

Median household income $86,631 · winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days

Wilderness, no income/sales tax, oil-dividend state.

Alaska has an overall price level 102.4 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Alaska
102.4
Alaska has 11% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Alaska
93.8
Alaska has 27% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
Alaska
100.6
Alaska has 2.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Alaska
100.4
Alaska has 1.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Alaska
27.2 ¢/kWh
Alaska has 83% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Alaska
100.5
Alaska has 2.1% higher transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Alaska
$376,500
Alaska is 35% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
Alaska
$1,048/mo
Alaska is 12% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 65°F · Winter low 8°F · 142 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Alaska
65°F
Alaska is 27% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Alaska
8°F
Alaska is 64% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Alaska
33°F
Alaska is 40% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Alaska
142
Alaska has 49% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Alaska
42 in
Alaska is 179% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
49
Alaska
8
Alaska has 84% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Alaska
85 in
Alaska is 270% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoAlaska 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 Alaska than New Mexico?

Alaska's overall price level is roughly 105.2 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.8 for New Mexico — 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 Mexico tops out at 5.9% income tax. Alaska tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alaska?

Most Alaska residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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