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Moving from New Mexico to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

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.

IA state flag
Moving to

Iowa

Capital: Des Moines

Median household income $70,571 · winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days

Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

Iowa has an overall price level 87.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 4.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 11% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 1.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 9.4% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 19% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 18% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 4.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 41% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 11% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Iowa
200
Iowa has 28% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 136% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
49
Iowa
73
Iowa has 49% higher AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 30% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoIowa 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 Iowa than New Mexico?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (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. Iowa tops out at 3.8%.

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

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

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