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Moving from North Dakota to New Mexico

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

ND state flag
Living now

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

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

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

NM state flag
Moving to

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.

New Mexico has an overall price level 92.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
North Dakota
89.0
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 3.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 3.1% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 0.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
New Mexico
98.8
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 24% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 0.7% higher transportation
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 5.2% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 12% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 89°F · Winter low 22°F · 278 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
North Dakota
84°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 6.0% more summer highs
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
New Mexico
22°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 31% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 32% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 19% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
North Dakota
42
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 41% less annual snowfall

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

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.4 for North Dakota — 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?

North Dakota tops out at 2.5% income tax. New Mexico tops out at 5.9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Mexico?

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

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