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Moving from New Mexico to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

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.

AR state flag
Moving to

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

Median household income $56,335 · winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

Arkansas has an overall price level 86.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 5.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 21% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 1.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 8.0% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 23% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 15% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 3.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 36% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 12% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 245% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
New Mexico
49
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 14% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 87% less annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoArkansas 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 Arkansas than New Mexico?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (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. Arkansas tops out at 3.9%.

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

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

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