Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
New Mexico's overall cost of living index is 94.5 (U.S. average = 100), making it slightly cheaper than the national average.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 92.2 | 100 |
Housing Costs
Housing costs in New Mexico run about 10% below the national average, though Santa Fe is a notable exception with far higher prices.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 73.6 | 100 |
Utility Costs
Utility costs in New Mexico are about 8% below the national average, aided by relatively low electricity prices.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (West region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU040072610).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 77.9 | 100 |
Food Costs
Food costs in New Mexico are close to the national average at an index of 97.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (West region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, West region, annual average (CUUR0400SAF1).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.1 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in New Mexico are just below the national average, with an index of 98.
Medical care price index (West region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, West region, annual average (CUUR0400SAM).
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in New Mexico are near the national average, with an average gas price of about $2.95 per gallon.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Gulf Coast region (PADD 3), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R30_DPG).
| Indicator | New Mexico | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $3.91 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |