New Mexico vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$80,043
in New Mexico
$76,142
in Wisconsin
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 | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 88.6 | 99.0 | -11% |
| Groceries | 97.0 | 99.5 | -3% |
| Utilities | 83.8 | 91.2 | -8% |
| Transportation | 93.6 | 99.0 | -5% |
| Healthcare | 108.3 | 99.8 | +9% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.2 | 99.3 | -2% |
| Overall | 93.7 | 98.5 | -5% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Mexico.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Mexico | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $290,000 | $280,000 | +$10,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,240/mo | $1,386/mo | $146 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.18/gal | +$0.24 |
| Electric bill | $81/mo | $113/mo | $31 |
| Infant childcare | $14,244/yr | $16,956/yr | $2,712 |
Salary equivalent: New Mexico → Wisconsin
What a New Mexico salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Mexico | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,561 | $-2,561 |
| $75,000 | $78,842 | $-3,842 |
| $100,000 | $105,123 | $-5,123 |
| $150,000 | $157,684 | $-7,684 |
| $200,000 | $210,245 | $-10,245 |
Positive = your money goes further in Wisconsin. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Wisconsin is 5% more expensive than New Mexico overall. Wisconsin has an index of 98.5 vs 93.7 for New Mexico (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or Wisconsin?
New Mexico is cheaper to live in. Wisconsin is 5% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $290,000 in New Mexico vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is New Mexico cheaper than Wisconsin?
Yes, New Mexico is 5% cheaper than Wisconsin overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Wisconsin more expensive than New Mexico?
Yes, Wisconsin is 5% more expensive than New Mexico based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wisconsin equals $100,000 in New Mexico?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Mexico, you would need approximately $105,123 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (93.7 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between New Mexico and Wisconsin?
Housing is cheaper in Wisconsin. Median home prices are $290,000 in New Mexico vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $10,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,240/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in New Mexico vs Wisconsin?
Housing is 11% lower in New Mexico (index 88.6 vs 99). Healthcare is 9% higher in New Mexico (index 108.3 vs 99.8). Utilities is 8% lower in New Mexico (index 83.8 vs 91.2).
Is gas cheaper in New Mexico or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Mexico and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.24 difference per gallon.
New Mexico vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
New Mexico has an overall cost-of-living index of 93.7 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). Wisconsin is 5% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Wisconsin?
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. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets, topping out at 7.65% on income over $405,550. Use the New Mexico vs Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
New Mexico requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Wisconsin 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
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Mexico vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Mexico — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- New Mexico Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Mexico Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wisconsin Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Mexico Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Wisconsin 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.