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Moving from West Virginia to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

WV state flag
Living now

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Median household income $55,217 · winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days

Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

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
West Virginia
89.5
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 3.0% higher overall price level
Housing index
West Virginia
54.2
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 36% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.4
New Mexico
98.1
New Mexico has 0.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
West Virginia
98.4
New Mexico
98.8
Electricity rate
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 9.5% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.9
New Mexico
98.4
New Mexico has 0.6% higher transportation
Median home value
West Virginia
$170,800
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 64% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
West Virginia
$643/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 46% 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
West Virginia
84°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 6.0% more summer highs
Avg winter low
West Virginia
25°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 12% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
West Virginia
52°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 4.4% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
West Virginia
169
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 64% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
West Virginia
46 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 67% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
West Virginia
42
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
West Virginia
39 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 41% less annual snowfall

Get the full West 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 West Virginia?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 88.6 for West 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?

West Virginia tops out at 4.82% 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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