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Moving from Pennsylvania to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

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
Pennsylvania
97.6
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 5.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 13% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 1.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 29% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 0.8% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 12% cheaper 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
Pennsylvania
85°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 4.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
New Mexico
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 8.9% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 55% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 66% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 23% higher AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 47% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaNew 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 Pennsylvania?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania — 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% 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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