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Moving from New Mexico to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
Washington
107.0
Washington has 16% higher overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
Washington
126.0
Washington has 71% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
Washington
101.8
Washington has 3.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
Washington
101.1
Washington has 2.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 2.8% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
Washington
101.4
Washington has 3.0% higher transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 115% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 75% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 11% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 59% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 7.9% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
Washington
152
Washington has 45% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 168% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
New Mexico
49
Washington
39
Washington has 20% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 26% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoWashington 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 Washington than New Mexico?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

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