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Moving from New Mexico to Arizona

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

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.

AZ state flag
Moving to

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

Arizona has an overall price level 100.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Arizona
100.7
Arizona has 9.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Arizona
106.8
Arizona has 45% higher housing costs
Groceries index
New Mexico
98.1
Arizona
95.4
Arizona has 2.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 4.5% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Arizona
100.1
Arizona has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Arizona
$426,000
Arizona is 52% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$1,117/mo
Arizona
$1,672/mo
Arizona is 50% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 105°F · Winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Arizona
105°F
Arizona is 18% more summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Arizona
43°F
Arizona is 95% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Arizona
62°F
Arizona is 15% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Arizona
211
Arizona has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 10% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
53
Arizona
43
Arizona has 19% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
New Mexico
100
Arizona
1
Arizona has 99% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Arizona
10 in
Arizona is 57% less annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoArizona report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona than New Mexico?

Arizona's overall price level is roughly 100.7 (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. Arizona tops out at 2.5%.

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

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

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