Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from South Dakota to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

SD state flag
Living now

South Dakota

Capital: Pierre

Median household income $71,810 · winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days

No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

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 Dakota
88.6
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 4.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
South Dakota
67.6
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 8.8% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.1
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 0.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
South Dakota
98.3
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 0.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 3.6% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.7
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 0.7% higher transportation
Median home value
South Dakota
$289,600
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 3.3% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Dakota
$781/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 20% 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
South Dakota
86°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
South Dakota
6°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 267% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Dakota
46°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 18% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Dakota
218
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 28% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Dakota
21 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 30% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
South Dakota
25
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 96% higher AQI
Snow / year
South Dakota
41 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 44% less annual snowfall

Get the full South 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 South Dakota?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 88.7 for South 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?

South Dakota tops out at 0% 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.

Related comparisons