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Moving from New Mexico to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Montana
94.6
Montana has 2.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Montana
84.6
Montana has 15% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
Montana
98.7
Montana has 0.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Montana
99.2
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 9.0% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Montana
98.9
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 52% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
Montana
$933/mo

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 6.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 36% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 19% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Montana
205
Montana has 26% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 2.0% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
New Mexico
49
Montana
42
Montana has 14% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 122% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoMontana 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 Montana than New Mexico?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

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

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

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