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Moving from New Mexico to South 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. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

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.

SD state flag
Moving to

South Dakota

Capital: Pierre

Median household income $71,810 · winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days

No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

South Dakota has an overall price level 88.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 3.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 8.1% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
South Dakota
97.1
South Dakota has 0.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
South Dakota
98.3
South Dakota has 0.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 3.5% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
South Dakota
97.7
South Dakota has 0.7% lower transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 3.5% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 17% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 73% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 16% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
South Dakota
218
South Dakota has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 44% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
49
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 49% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 78% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoSouth 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 South Dakota than New Mexico?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (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. South Dakota tops out at 0%.

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

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

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