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Moving from New Mexico to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 9.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 45% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
Virginia
100.3
Virginia has 2.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 15% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 44% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 62% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Virginia
87°F
Virginia is 2.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Virginia
28°F
Virginia is 27% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 3.0% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Virginia
208
Virginia has 25% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Virginia
44 in
Virginia is 195% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
49
Virginia
41
Virginia has 16% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 35% less annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoVirginia 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 Virginia than New Mexico?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (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. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

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

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

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