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Moving from New Mexico to Colorado

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

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.

CO state flag
Moving to

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

Colorado has an overall price level 103.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Colorado
103.1
Colorado has 12% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Colorado
127.4
Colorado has 73% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
Colorado
100.8
Colorado has 2.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Colorado
100.5
Colorado has 1.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Colorado
16.7 ¢/kWh
Colorado has 13% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Colorado
100.6
Colorado has 2.2% higher transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Colorado
$574,600
Colorado is 105% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
Colorado
$1,627/mo
Colorado is 74% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Colorado
86°F
Colorado is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Colorado
18°F
Colorado is 18% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Colorado
46°F
Colorado is 15% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Colorado
245
Colorado has 12% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Colorado
17 in
Colorado is 11% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
49
Colorado
74
Colorado has 51% higher AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Colorado
69 in
Colorado is 200% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoColorado 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 Colorado than New Mexico?

Colorado's overall price level is roughly 103 (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. Colorado tops out at 4.4%.

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

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

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