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Moving from Utah to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Best ski resorts, youngest state, booming Silicon Slopes. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

UT state flag
Living now

Utah

Capital: Salt Lake City

Median household income $89,168 · winter low 22°F · 222 sunny days

Best ski resorts, youngest state, booming Silicon Slopes.

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
Utah
98.9
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 6.7% lower overall price level
Housing index
Utah
107.8
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 32% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Utah
99.7
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 1.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Utah
99.8
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Utah
13.2 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 12% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Utah
99.8
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 1.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Utah
$545,200
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 49% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Utah
$1,343/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 30% 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
Utah
93°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 4.3% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Utah
22°F
New Mexico
22°F
Avg annual temperature
Utah
49°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 10.0% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Utah
222
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 25% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Utah
14 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 4.2% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Utah
46
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 6.5% higher AQI
Snow / year
Utah
52 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 56% less annual snowfall

Get the full UtahNew 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 Utah?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.9 for Utah — 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?

Utah tops out at 4.5% 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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