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Moving from South Carolina to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

SC state flag
Living now

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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
South Carolina
93.7
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 1.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
South Carolina
80.5
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 8.5% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.4
New Mexico
98.1
Utilities index (modeled)
South Carolina
99.1
New Mexico
98.8
Electricity rate
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 10.0% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.7
New Mexico
98.4
Median home value
South Carolina
$299,500
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 6.5% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 22% 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
South Carolina
91°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 2.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Carolina
33°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 33% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Carolina
63°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 13% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Carolina
216
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 29% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Carolina
48 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 69% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Carolina
39
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 26% higher AQI
Snow / year
South Carolina
1 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 2200% more annual snowfall

Get the full South CarolinaNew 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 South Carolina?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 94.6 for South Carolina — 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?

South Carolina tops out at 6% 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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