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New Mexico

Moderate tax burden · COL index 91

Wins 8 categories

VS

North Carolina

Moderate tax burden · COL index 94

Wins 6 categories

New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.9% vs North Carolina's 4.5%. Politically, North Carolina voted Republican in 2024 (R+3.0) while New Mexico went Democratic (D+10.0).

New Mexico
North Carolina

Taxes

5.9%
Income Tax (top rate)
4.5%
0.55%/yr
Property Tax Rate
0.7%/yr
7.82%
Sales Tax (avg)
7%
Yes
Social Security Tax
Yes
Yes
Estate Tax
Yes
As income
Capital Gains Tax
As income

Housing & Cost of Living

91
COL Index (100=avg)
94
$330K
Median Home Price
$335K
$1,250/mo
Median Rent (2BR/mo)
$1,450/mo
$2K/yr
Home Insurance (avg/yr)
$2K/yr

Crime & Safety

778
Violent Crime / 100K
398
3,286
Property Crime / 100K
2,226

Healthcare

#49 of 50
Healthcare Quality Rank
#23 of 50
74.1 yrs
Life Expectancy
75.7 yrs
9.2%
Uninsured Rate
11.8%
Yes
Medicaid Expansion
Yes

Education

#46 of 50
K-12 Quality Rank
#29 of 50
No
School Choice / Vouchers
Yes

Childcare

$950/mo
Avg Infant Care / mo
$1,050/mo

Utilities & Daily Costs

$115/mo
Avg Energy Bill / mo
$135/mo
$460/mo
Avg Groceries / mo
$460/mo
#29 of 50
Road Quality Rank
#14 of 50

Social Policy

B-
Gun Laws Grade
C+
D+10.0
2024 Presidential Margin
R+3.0

Category wins

8

New Mexico

6

North Carolina

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People Also Ask

What is the downfall of living in North Carolina?

Living in North Carolina has its benefits, including a mild climate, affordable cost of living, and diverse outdoor recreational options. However, it also has drawbacks like high summer humidity, limited public transportation, and potential for natural disasters.

Is New Mexico a desirable place to live?

The cost of living in New Mexico is cheaper than other U.S. states. If you want to curb some expenses, moving to New Mexico can be a fantastic idea. Not only is the cost of living in New Mexico 7% below the national average, it's also cheaper than other desirable states out West.

What is the biggest risk of living in North Carolina?

Con: It's Also Prone to Natural Disasters Among all the pros and cons of living in North Carolina, this con is perhaps the most worrisome. Because the state is on the coast, it isn't unusual for hurricanes to hit North Carolina — in fact, the average landfall is every one to three years.

Is moving to North Carolina a good idea?

You get lower housing costs than the coasts, a deep job market anchored by Research Triangle Park and Charlotte banking, friendly taxes, and easy access to both beaches and mountains. In return, you accept hot, humid summers, a heavy pollen season, and a car-first lifestyle in most areas.

Full New Mexico Profile →Full North Carolina Profile →

Your Priorities

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Quick Profiles

Dial in your priorities

Annual Income

$150K

Affects effective income tax rate

$0$500K$5M+

Retirement Savings

$0

Affects pension and SS tax burden

None$500K$10M+

Social Security

None

Annual Social Security benefit

None$150K/yr

My Property Is Worth

$400K

Affects property tax burden

Tax burden ↓$1M$50M+

Home Buying Budget

$400K

Compared to state median home price

Hard to find$250K$5M+

Monthly Rent Budget

Don't care

Compared to state median 2BR rent

Don't care$10K/mo

Job Market

Don't care

State unemployment and job growth

Don't careHot market

Airport Access

Don't care

Direct flight destinations from state hubs

Don't careMust have hub

City vs Country

Mid-size city

% urban population

Deep countryBig city

Sunshine

Don't care

Annual sunny days per state

Don't careMax sunshine

Food Scene

Don't care

Restaurants per 100K residents

Don't careWorld-class

Political Preference

Neutral

State's political lean

LiberalConservative

Gun Laws

Neutral

State gun law grade (Giffords)

Gun Control2A Freedom

Abortion Access

Neutral

State abortion access policy

Pro-ChoiceNeutralPro-Life

Community

None

Congregations per 100K residents

AvoidDon't careSeek

Sports & Entertainment

Don't care

Pro sports teams and major venues

Don't careMust have pro teams

Cannabis Laws

Neutral

State cannabis legality

Prefer LegalNeutralPrefer Prohibition

Retiree Community

Neutral

% population 65+ (Census)

Young areaRetirement-heavy

Dating Market

Neutral

% adults never-married (Census)

Singles sceneFamily community

Safety / Low Crime

Don't care

Violent crime rate per 100K (FBI)

Don't careVery safe

School Quality

Don't care

K-12 rank (Education Week)

Don't careTop-ranked

Healthcare Access

Don't care

Healthcare system rank (Commonwealth Fund)

Don't careTop-ranked

Childcare Affordability

Don't care

Cost of living proxy for childcare affordability

Don't careMust be affordable