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Moving from New Mexico to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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.

ID state flag
Moving to

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

Idaho has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 3.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 22% higher housing costs
Groceries index
New Mexico
98.1
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 1.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Idaho
99.3
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 14% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 0.7% higher transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 59% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$1,117/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 24% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 2.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Idaho
22°F
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 16% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Idaho
199
Idaho has 28% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 17% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
53
Idaho
24
Idaho has 55% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
New Mexico
100
Idaho
12
Idaho has 88% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 122% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoIdaho 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 Idaho than New Mexico?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (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. Idaho tops out at 5.3%.

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

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

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