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Moving from New Mexico to West 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. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

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.

WV state flag
Moving to

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Median household income $55,217 · winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days

Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

West Virginia has an overall price level 89.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
New Mexico
92.2
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 2.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
New Mexico
73.6
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.1
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 0.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.8
West Virginia
98.4
Electricity rate
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 11% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
New Mexico
98.4
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 0.6% lower transportation
Median home value
New Mexico
$279,900
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 39% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
New Mexico
$937/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 31% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
New Mexico
89°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 5.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
New Mexico
22°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 14% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
New Mexico
54°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 4.3% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
New Mexico
278
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 39% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
New Mexico
15 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 205% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
New Mexico
49
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 14% lower AQI
Snow / year
New Mexico
23 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 70% more annual snowfall

Get the full New MexicoWest Virginia 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 West Virginia than New Mexico?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (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. West Virginia tops out at 4.82%.

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

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

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