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Moving from New Mexico to North Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

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.

ND state flag
Moving to

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

Median household income $73,959 · winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

North Dakota has an overall price level 89.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
North Dakota
89.0
North Dakota has 3.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
North Dakota
71.4
North Dakota has 3.0% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
North Dakota
97.2
North Dakota has 0.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
North Dakota
98.3
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
North Dakota has 19% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
North Dakota
97.8
North Dakota has 0.7% lower transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
North Dakota
$266,100
North Dakota is 4.9% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
North Dakota
$833/mo
North Dakota is 11% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
North Dakota
84°F
North Dakota is 5.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
North Dakota
0°F
North Dakota is 100% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
North Dakota
41°F
North Dakota is 23% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
North Dakota
211
North Dakota has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
North Dakota
18 in
North Dakota is 23% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
49
North Dakota
42
North Dakota has 14% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
North Dakota
39 in
North Dakota is 70% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoNorth Dakota 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 North Dakota than New Mexico?

North Dakota's overall price level is roughly 92.4 (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. North Dakota tops out at 2.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in North Dakota?

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

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