New Mexico vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$80,043
in New Mexico
$82,327
in Texas
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 | New Mexico | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 88.6 | 79.4 | +12% |
| Groceries | 97.0 | 95.3 | +2% |
| Utilities | 83.8 | 102.9 | -19% |
| Transportation | 93.6 | 92.9 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 108.3 | 96.8 | +12% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.2 | 95.2 | +2% |
| Overall | 93.7 | 91.1 | +3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Mexico.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Mexico | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $290,000 | $295,000 | $5,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,240/mo | $1,112/mo | +$128 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.21 |
| Electric bill | $81/mo | $87/mo | $5 |
| Infant childcare | $14,244/yr | $10,706/yr | +$3,538 |
Salary equivalent: New Mexico → Texas
What a New Mexico salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Mexico | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,613 | +$1,387 |
| $75,000 | $72,919 | +$2,081 |
| $100,000 | $97,225 | +$2,775 |
| $150,000 | $145,838 | +$4,162 |
| $200,000 | $194,450 | +$5,550 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. 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 3% more expensive than Texas overall. New Mexico has an index of 93.7 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or Texas?
Texas is cheaper to live in. New Mexico is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $290,000 in New Mexico vs $295,000 in Texas.
Is Texas cheaper than New Mexico?
Yes, Texas is 3% 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 Texas?
Yes, New Mexico is 3% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in New Mexico?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Mexico, you would need approximately $97,225 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (93.7 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between New Mexico and Texas?
Housing is cheaper in New Mexico. Median home prices are $290,000 in New Mexico vs $295,000 in Texas — a $5,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,240/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in New Mexico vs Texas?
Utilities is 19% lower in New Mexico (index 83.8 vs 102.9). Healthcare is 12% higher in New Mexico (index 108.3 vs 96.8). Housing is 12% higher in New Mexico (index 88.6 vs 79.4).
Is gas cheaper in New Mexico or Texas?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Mexico and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.21 difference per gallon.
New Mexico vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
New Mexico has an overall cost-of-living index of 93.7 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). New Mexico is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the New Mexico vs Texas 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
- New Mexico Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Mexico vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Mexico — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — 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.