Quick answer
New Mexico has lower average 1BR rent ($1,050/mo vs $1,265/mo). State income tax: New Mexico (4.9%) vs Wisconsin (7.65%) — on a $120K salary that's $3,300/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
New Mexico vs Wisconsin
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
New Mexico vs Wisconsin at a Glance
| Metric | New Mexico | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,050 ✓ | $1,265 |
| Avg median home price | $285K ✓ | $303K |
| Cheapest city | Albuquerque ($1,050) ✓ | Milwaukee ($1,150) |
| Priciest city | Albuquerque ($1,050) | Madison ($1,380) |
| State income tax | 4.9% ✓ | 7.65% |
| Avg walkability | 42/100 | 63/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: New Mexico (4.9%).
Salary $80K
$2,200
/year saved in New Mexico
Salary $120K
$3,300
/year saved in New Mexico
Salary $200K
$5,500
/year saved in New Mexico
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
New Mexico (NM)
Tax reality
New Mexico has a progressive state income tax up to 5.9%. Property tax is low (~0.8% effective). Sales/gross receipts tax 5.125% state + local to 7-8%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕New Mexico ranks near the bottom of US states on multiple metrics — poverty rate, child welfare indicators, educational attainment, and violent crime. Public services are underfunded.
- ✕Albuquerque has real public safety concerns — the city has consistently been among the highest-crime per-capita major cities in the US over the past decade.
- ✕Public schools rank near the bottom of US states. Wealthy areas have private schools; public schools in most districts struggle.
Wisconsin (WI)
Tax reality
Wisconsin has a progressive state income tax up to 7.65% for high earners (kicks in around $280K single). Property tax is moderate-high (~1.8% effective on average). Sales tax 5% state + local to 5.5%. No estate tax.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters are brutal. Milwaukee averages 47 inches of snow per year; Madison 50+. November through March regularly sees -10°F wind chills and consistent snow cover. Lake-effect weather adds intensity near Lake Michigan.
- ✕Property tax in Wisconsin is notably high — 1.8% effective average, meaning a $400K home pays $7,200/year in property tax. This partially offsets the moderate income tax.
- ✕Outside Milwaukee and Madison, the job market narrows fast. Rural Wisconsin dairy and manufacturing have been in structural decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Mexico or Wisconsin cheaper to live in?
New Mexico has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,050/mo vs $1,265/mo in Wisconsin, a $215/mo difference. Home prices: New Mexico median is $285K vs $303K.
New Mexico vs Wisconsin: which has lower state income tax?
New Mexico has lower state income tax (4.9%) vs 7.65% in Wisconsin. On an $80K salary that's $2,200/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $5,500/year.
Should I move from New Mexico to Wisconsin?
New Mexico has a progressive state income tax up to 5.9%. Property tax is low (~0.8% effective). Sales/gross receipts tax 5.125% state + local to 7-8%. No estate tax. Overall moderate tax burden.
What are the best cities in New Mexico vs Wisconsin?
New Mexico's largest metros include Albuquerque. Wisconsin's largest metros include Milwaukee, Madison. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a New Mexico suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.