Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in New Mexico versus $1,440 in Oregon. Overall, New Mexico runs roughly 38% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,604 in New Mexico and $88,792 in Oregon — about 26% higher in Oregon. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.875%
None
+4.9 pp in New Mexico
Income Tax (top rate)
5.90%
9.90%
+4.0 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,440
+62% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$266,700
$557,600
+109% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,604
$88,792
+35% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.2°F
54.5°F
+2.7°F in New Mexico
New Mexico vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or Oregon?
- New Mexico is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 38% below Oregon's $1,440, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Mexico than in Oregon?
- 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 $58,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, New Mexico or Oregon?
- New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in New Mexico/Oregon — 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.