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Moving from Wisconsin to New Mexico

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Land of Enchantment, art scene, but high crime in metros.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

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
Wisconsin
94.1
New Mexico
92.2
New Mexico has 2.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
New Mexico
73.6
New Mexico has 7.2% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
New Mexico
98.1
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
New Mexico
98.8
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico
14.8 ¢/kWh
New Mexico has 21% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
New Mexico
98.4
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
New Mexico
$279,900
New Mexico is 5.0% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
New Mexico
$937/mo
New Mexico is 4.6% 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
Wisconsin
81°F
New Mexico
89°F
New Mexico is 9.9% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
New Mexico
22°F
New Mexico is 144% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
New Mexico
54°F
New Mexico is 22% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
New Mexico
278
New Mexico has 48% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
New Mexico
15 in
New Mexico is 55% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
40
New Mexico
49
New Mexico has 23% higher AQI
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
New Mexico
23 in
New Mexico is 54% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinNew 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 Wisconsin?

New Mexico's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin — 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?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% 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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