Iowa vs New Mexico Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$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 | Iowa | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 88.6 | -12% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 97.0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 83.8 | +5% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 93.6 | +6% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 108.3 | -11% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 97.2 | -3% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 93.7 | -4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $290,000 | $80,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,240/mo | $152 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.42/gal | $0.23 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $81/mo | +$1 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $14,244/yr | $4,639 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → New Mexico
What a Iowa salary buys you in New Mexico, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in New Mexico | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,171 | $-2,171 |
| $75,000 | $78,257 | $-3,257 |
| $100,000 | $104,343 | $-4,343 |
| $150,000 | $156,514 | $-6,514 |
| $200,000 | $208,686 | $-8,686 |
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
New Mexico is 4% more expensive than Iowa overall. New Mexico has an index of 93.7 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or New Mexico?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. New Mexico is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $290,000 in New Mexico.
Is Iowa cheaper than New Mexico?
Yes, Iowa is 4% cheaper than New Mexico overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Mexico more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, New Mexico is 4% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New Mexico equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $104,343 in New Mexico. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 93.7).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and New Mexico?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $290,000 in New Mexico — a $80,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,240/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs New Mexico?
Healthcare is 11% lower in Iowa (index 95.9 vs 108.3). Housing is 12% lower in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 88.6). Transportation is 6% higher in Iowa (index 99.5 vs 93.6).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or New Mexico?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.42/gallon in New Mexico — a $0.23 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs New Mexico cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and New Mexico has 93.7 (national average = 100). New Mexico is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Mexico?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Iowa moved to a flat income tax rate of 3.80% in 2025, down from a multi-bracket system. New Mexico uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets and a top rate of 5.90% on income over $210,000. Use the Iowa vs New Mexico paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Iowa and New Mexico?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Mexico requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
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
- Iowa Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Mexico Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs New Mexico Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Mexico — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Mexico Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Mexico Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- New Mexico Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- 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.