Illinois vs New Mexico Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$78,947
in Illinois
$80,043
in New Mexico
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Illinois | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.3 | 88.6 | -5% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 97.0 | +3% |
| Utilities | 99.0 | 83.8 | +18% |
| Transportation | 100.5 | 93.6 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 104.1 | 108.3 | -4% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.7 | 97.2 | +2% |
| Overall | 95.0 | 93.7 | +1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Illinois.
What things actually cost
| Item | Illinois | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $260,000 | $290,000 | $30,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,180/mo | $1,240/mo | $60 |
| Gas price | $3.60/gal | $3.42/gal | +$0.18 |
| Electric bill | $108/mo | $81/mo | +$27 |
| Infant childcare | $16,107/yr | $14,244/yr | +$1,863 |
Salary equivalent: Illinois → New Mexico
What a Illinois salary buys you in New Mexico, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Illinois | Equivalent in New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,316 | +$684 |
| $75,000 | $73,974 | +$1,026 |
| $100,000 | $98,632 | +$1,368 |
| $150,000 | $147,947 | +$2,053 |
| $200,000 | $197,263 | +$2,737 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Mexico. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Illinois and New Mexico have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 95 and 93.7 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or New Mexico?
Illinois and New Mexico have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is New Mexico cheaper than Illinois?
Illinois and New Mexico cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Illinois more expensive than New Mexico?
Illinois and New Mexico have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in New Mexico equals $100,000 in Illinois?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Illinois, you would need approximately $98,632 in New Mexico. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (95 vs 93.7).
How do housing costs compare between Illinois and New Mexico?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Illinois. Median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $290,000 in New Mexico — a $30,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,180/mo vs $1,240/mo.
What costs more in Illinois vs New Mexico?
Utilities is 18% higher in Illinois (index 99 vs 83.8). Transportation is 7% higher in Illinois (index 100.5 vs 93.6). Housing is 5% lower in Illinois (index 84.3 vs 88.6).
Is gas cheaper in Illinois or New Mexico?
Gas averages $3.60/gallon in Illinois and $3.42/gallon in New Mexico — a $0.18 difference per gallon.
Illinois vs New Mexico cost of living — how do they compare?
Illinois has an overall cost-of-living index of 95 and New Mexico has 93.7 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Mexico?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Illinois vs New Mexico paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Illinois Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Mexico Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois vs New Mexico Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Illinois — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Mexico — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.