Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in New Mexico versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, New Mexico runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,604 in New Mexico and $74,925 in Utah — about 12% higher in Utah. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.875%
6.1%
+1.2 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
5.90%
4.50%
+1.4 pp in New Mexico
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,166
+31% in Utah
Median Home Value
$266,700
$495,700
+86% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,604
$74,925
+14% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.2°F
52.8°F
+4.4°F in New Mexico
New Mexico vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or Utah?
- New Mexico is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 24% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Mexico than in Utah?
- 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 $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, New Mexico or Utah?
- New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in New Mexico/Utah — 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.