New Mexico vs Utah Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$80,043
in New Mexico
$75,377
in Utah
New Mexico
Utah
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 | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 88.6 | 108.8 | -19% |
| Groceries | 97.0 | 96.9 | 0% |
| Utilities | 83.8 | 82.4 | +2% |
| Transportation | 93.6 | 104.1 | -10% |
| Healthcare | 108.3 | 90.9 | +19% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.2 | 96.9 | 0% |
| Overall | 93.7 | 99.5 | -6% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Mexico.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Mexico | Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $290,000 | $480,000 | $190,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,240/mo | $1,523/mo | $283 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.40/gal | +$0.02 |
| Electric bill | $81/mo | $88/mo | $7 |
| Infant childcare | $14,244/yr | $13,094/yr | +$1,150 |
Salary equivalent: New Mexico → Utah
What a New Mexico salary buys you in Utah, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Mexico | Equivalent in Utah | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,095 | $-3,095 |
| $75,000 | $79,642 | $-4,642 |
| $100,000 | $106,190 | $-6,190 |
| $150,000 | $159,285 | $-9,285 |
| $200,000 | $212,380 | $-12,380 |
Positive = your money goes further in Utah. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Utah is 6% more expensive than New Mexico overall. Utah has an index of 99.5 vs 93.7 for New Mexico (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or Utah?
New Mexico is cheaper to live in. Utah is 6% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $290,000 in New Mexico vs $480,000 in Utah.
Is New Mexico cheaper than Utah?
Yes, New Mexico is 6% cheaper than Utah overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Utah more expensive than New Mexico?
Yes, Utah is 6% more expensive than New Mexico based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Utah equals $100,000 in New Mexico?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Mexico, you would need approximately $106,190 in Utah. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (93.7 vs 99.5).
How do housing costs compare between New Mexico and Utah?
Housing is significantly cheaper in New Mexico. Median home prices are $290,000 in New Mexico vs $480,000 in Utah — a $190,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,240/mo vs $1,523/mo.
What costs more in New Mexico vs Utah?
Housing is 19% lower in New Mexico (index 88.6 vs 108.8). Healthcare is 19% higher in New Mexico (index 108.3 vs 90.9). Transportation is 10% lower in New Mexico (index 93.6 vs 104.1).
Is gas cheaper in New Mexico or Utah?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Mexico and $3.40/gallon in Utah — a $0.02 difference per gallon.
New Mexico vs Utah cost of living — how do they compare?
New Mexico has an overall cost-of-living index of 93.7 and Utah has 99.5 (national average = 100). Utah is 6% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Utah?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. New Mexico uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets and a top rate of 5.90% on income over $210,000. Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.65%, applied uniformly to all taxable income. Use the New Mexico vs Utah 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 New Mexico and Utah?
New Mexico requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Utah 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
- New Mexico Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Utah Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Mexico vs Utah Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- New Mexico Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in New Mexico
- Utah Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Utah
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in New Mexico — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Utah — How much house can you afford?
- New Mexico Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Utah Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Mexico Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Utah 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
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- 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.