New Mexico
For Americans thinking of retiring to New Mexico from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in New Mexico run at 92.2 against a US average of 100, with housing at 73.6. We cover New Mexico's 33 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
New Mexico is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
New Mexico, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
New Mexico's 33 counties
Every county in New Mexico on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
- No figure
- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = more)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 33 counties, with their figures
-
Bernalillo County
667,601 residents, 135,048 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.5 Cheaper than 21 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Albuquerque, NM metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,334 Lower than 46 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 16.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 17 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.93 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 83 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Tijeras (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bernalillo County page → -
Catron County
3,827 residents, 1,748 aged 65 or older (45.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,466 Lower than 93 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Catron County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Reserve (Census, 1 July 2024).
Catron County page → -
Chaves County
63,364 residents, 11,101 aged 65 or older (17.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,284 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 15.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 19 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chaves County page → -
Cibola County
26,807 residents, 5,206 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,991 Lower than 54 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cibola County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.70 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 28 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grants, Milan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cibola County page → -
Colfax County
12,184 residents, 3,735 aged 65 or older (30.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,007 Lower than 82 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Colfax County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Raton, Angel Fire, Springer (Census, 1 July 2024).
Colfax County page → -
Curry County
46,655 residents, 6,841 aged 65 or older (14.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,271 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 28 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clovis, Texico, Melrose (Census, 1 July 2024).
Curry County page → -
De Baca County
1,647 residents, 477 aged 65 or older (29.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,279 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- De Baca County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Fort Sumner (Census, 1 July 2024).
De Baca County page → -
Doña Ana County
229,091 residents, 44,450 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 90.2 Cheaper than 41 % of the other 3,142 US counties Las Cruces, NM metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,538 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 44 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.38 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 46 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Las Cruces, Sunland Park, Anthony (Census, 1 July 2024).
Doña Ana County page → -
Eddy County
62,509 residents, 9,684 aged 65 or older (15.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,995 Lower than 82 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 10.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 31 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.72 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Carlsbad, Artesia, Loving (Census, 1 July 2024).
Eddy County page → -
Grant County
27,252 residents, 8,897 aged 65 or older (32.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,802 Lower than 87 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grant County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Silver City, Bayard, Santa Clara (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grant County page → -
Guadalupe County
4,343 residents, 979 aged 65 or older (22.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,866 Lower than 85 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Guadalupe County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Santa Rosa, Vaughn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Guadalupe County page → -
Harding County
617 residents, 246 aged 65 or older (39.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,717 Lower than 89 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Harding County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.82 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,494 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Roy, Mosquero (Census, 1 July 2024).
Harding County page → -
Hidalgo County
3,929 residents, 971 aged 65 or older (24.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,866 Lower than 85 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hidalgo County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lordsburg, Virden (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hidalgo County page → -
Lea County
74,749 residents, 9,126 aged 65 or older (12.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,864 Lower than 86 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 28 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.38 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,350 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hobbs, Lovington, Eunice (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lea County page → -
Lincoln County
19,844 residents, 6,865 aged 65 or older (34.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,062 Lower than 81 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lincoln County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Capitan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lincoln County page → -
Los Alamos County
19,407 residents, 3,773 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,110 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Los Alamos County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.90 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 85 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Los Alamos County page → -
Luna County
25,407 residents, 5,746 aged 65 or older (22.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,071 Lower than 80 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Luna County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.22 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Deming, Columbus (Census, 1 July 2024).
Luna County page → -
McKinley County
68,119 residents, 11,127 aged 65 or older (16.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $7,192 Lower than 3 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 20.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 11 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,350 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Gallup (Census, 1 July 2024).
McKinley County page → -
Mora County
4,051 residents, 1,407 aged 65 or older (34.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,719 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mora County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $6.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Wagon Mound (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mora County page → -
Otero County
70,368 residents, 14,327 aged 65 or older (20.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,132 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 29 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.68 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,494 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Alamogordo, Tularosa, Cloudcroft (Census, 1 July 2024).
Otero County page → -
Quay County
8,454 residents, 2,395 aged 65 or older (28.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,327 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Quay County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.70 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 28 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Tucumcari, Logan, San Jon (Census, 1 July 2024).
Quay County page → -
Rio Arriba County
39,832 residents, 9,688 aged 65 or older (24.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,658 Lower than 90 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 17.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 16 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Española, Chama (Census, 1 July 2024).
Rio Arriba County page → -
Roosevelt County
18,615 residents, 3,011 aged 65 or older (16.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,780 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Roosevelt County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Portales, Elida, Dora (Census, 1 July 2024).
Roosevelt County page → -
Sandoval County
159,565 residents, 35,297 aged 65 or older (22.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.5 Cheaper than 21 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Albuquerque, NM metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,753 Lower than 60 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 51 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sandoval County page → -
San Juan County
120,340 residents, 22,202 aged 65 or older (18.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.7 Cheaper than 62 % of the other 3,142 US counties Farmington, NM metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,570 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 14.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 20 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Farmington, Bloomfield, Aztec (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Juan County page → -
San Miguel County
26,260 residents, 6,875 aged 65 or older (26.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,199 Lower than 77 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 19.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 13 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Las Vegas, Pecos, Mosquero (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Miguel County page → -
Santa Fe County
156,907 residents, 46,924 aged 65 or older (29.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.8 Cheaper than 11 % of the other 3,142 US counties Santa Fe, NM metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,880 Lower than 85 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 49 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Santa Fe, Edgewood, Española (Census, 1 July 2024).
Santa Fe County page → -
Sierra County
11,395 residents, 4,396 aged 65 or older (38.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,002 Lower than 82 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sierra County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte, Williamsburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sierra County page → -
Socorro County
15,838 residents, 3,596 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,325 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Socorro County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Socorro, Magdalena (Census, 1 July 2024).
Socorro County page → -
Taos County
34,564 residents, 10,989 aged 65 or older (31.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,224 Lower than 96 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 14.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 22 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Taos, Questa, Red River (Census, 1 July 2024).
Taos County page → -
Torrance County
16,100 residents, 3,907 aged 65 or older (24.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.5 Cheaper than 21 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Albuquerque, NM metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,768 Lower than 88 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Torrance County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 21 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Moriarty, Estancia, Mountainair (Census, 1 July 2024).
Torrance County page → -
Union County
3,844 residents, 868 aged 65 or older (22.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 85.9 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. New Mexico nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,642 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Union County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.90 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 21 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,494 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clayton, Des Moines, Folsom (Census, 1 July 2024).
Union County page → -
Valencia County
82,013 residents, 16,351 aged 65 or older (19.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.5 Cheaper than 21 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Albuquerque, NM metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,349 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 13.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 23 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,585 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Los Lunas, Belen, Rio Communities (Census, 1 July 2024).
Valencia County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Where New Mexico stands, on the six criteria
New Mexico's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 14 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of New Mexico, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
92.2 Cheaper than 72% of the other 50 · housing 73.6 · goods 96.1 · utilities 77.9 · other services 98.5
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $2,634 (90% margin USD $2,601–$2,667) Lower than 64% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
41 % of residents 65+ Higher than 18% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
12.9 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 12.3–13.7) Lower than 8% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
4.7 months a year More than 36% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.59 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in New Mexico
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in New Mexico, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $4,870 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $16,670 in a bad year (from USD $12,470), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 16 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,585 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 10 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of New Mexico's 33 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
From January 1, 2027, New Mexico will give Medigap policyholders aged 65 or older an annual 60-day window starting in their birthday month to switch to a plan of equal or lesser value without medical underwriting. New Mexico's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in New Mexico: New Mexico ADRC – State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 1-800-432-2080 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to New Mexico: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to New Mexico, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
None of New Mexico's six figures is in the top fifth of the states.
Cons
- Healthcare access: lower than 82% of the other 50 (41 % of residents 65+). CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025)
- Safety: higher than 92% of the other 50 (12.9 per 100,000 a year). CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence
Also shown, not scored
New Mexico's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of New Mexico — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
2,125,498 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
448,253 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
22.9 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in New Mexico
We apply New Mexico's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
New Mexico's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 5.9 % New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, 2025 Tax Rate Table (PIT-TRT) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security exempt (federal AGI up to USD $150,000, joint): 100 % of it New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, 2025 PIT-ADJ Instructions, line 25 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Federal standard deduction, married filing jointly (New Mexico PIT-1 line 12): USD $31,500 IRS, 2025 Instructions for Form 1040, standard deduction charts · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Federal additional standard deduction, 65 or older (USD $1,600 each): USD $1,600 per person, from age 65 IRS, 2025 Instructions for Form 1040, standard deduction charts · checked Oct 26, 2026
We don't cover a town in New Mexico yet. See the towns we cover in the United States.
Would your money go further somewhere else?
We rank every place we hold against your budget and the life you want — starting from the sourced figures on this page and adding clearly labeled estimates for the costs no official source prices.
Free Create an account to save your comparisons and pick them up later. No credit card, no email needed, and you keep the whole site.
Create a free account No credit card. No email needed.
One personalized report, up to six places — saved in your account and yours to download as a PDF.
Unlimited reports, up to six places each, and it carries into the resident plan when you move.
On sale when billing opens — the prices are set.
Reports open when the site launches.
The report starts from the same sourced figures you see here, then adds clearly labeled estimates for the costs no official source prices for each town.