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Moving from Virginia to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 8.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 31% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 2.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
New Mexico
98.8
New Mexico has 1.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 13% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 1.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 31% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 38% 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
Virginia
87°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 2.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 21% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 2.9% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 34% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 66% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 20% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 53% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaNew 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 Virginia?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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