Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in New Mexico versus $1,705 in New York. Overall, New Mexico runs roughly 48% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,604 in New Mexico and $79,713 in New York — about 18% higher in New York. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
New Mexico vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or New York?
- New Mexico is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 48% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Mexico than in New York?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in New Mexico versus $68,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, New Mexico or New York?
- New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in New Mexico/New York — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.