Compare states / New Mexico / to Montana
NM → MT
Moving from New Mexico to Montana
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
New Mexico vs Montana using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| New Mexico | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 5.9% | 5.65% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 7.67% | 0.00% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 0.80% | 0.74% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | No | Yes — 1.13% effective |
| Median home value | $319,165 | $472,698 |
| Tax when you title a car | 4.88% | 0.00% |
| State parks | 35 | 55 |
| National parks | 2 | 2 |
| Population density | 18.0/sq mi | 7.9/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 717.1 | 423.5 |
| Demographics | 36.8% White (non-Hispanic) 49.3% Hispanic 2.2% Black 1.8% Asian | 85.1% White (non-Hispanic) 4.3% Hispanic 1.1% Black 0.9% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 30 | 60 |
| Days to title a car | 30 | 60 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from New Mexico to Montana?
New Mexico: Top listed rate 5.9%. Montana: Top listed rate 5.65%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $5,338 in New Mexico vs $6,329 in Montana. If you earned in both states this year, see NM tax agency and MT tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from New Mexico to Montana?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 5.9% vs 5.65%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in Montana
New Montana residents typically have 60 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 0.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $50.00 (tax $0.00 + title $10.00 + registration $30.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in Montana
Title fee + plate + base registration + 0.00% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in Montana
After you become a Montana resident, you typically have 60 days to get a Montana driver license. Bring your New Mexico license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Montana. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official Montana DMV. New Mexico plates are not a substitute for Montana registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new Montana residents from New Mexico
- Get a MT driver license within 60 days. Bring your NM license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Montana (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official Montana DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 60 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. Montana elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. NM tax agency · MT tax agency.
- Both New Mexico and Montana are in the nurse compact — a multistate license can follow you. Confirm with the board of nursing if you are changing primary residence.
Biggest differences in moving from New Mexico to Montana
- New Montana residents typically have 60 days to get a driver license (30 days is the New Mexico window in this file).
- Title the car in Montana within 60 days. New Mexico plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- Montana lists a vehicle personal-property tax (1.13% effective); New Mexico does not.
- Montana title-tax rate used here is 0.00%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $50.00 (county extras omitted).
- Median home value in the file: $319,165 in New Mexico vs $472,698 in Montana.
Common questions
How does sales tax in Montana compare to New Mexico?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 7.67% in New Mexico vs 0.00% in Montana. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from New Mexico to Montana?
The top listed rate goes down: 5.9% in New Mexico vs 5.65% in Montana. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $5,338 in New Mexico vs $6,329 in Montana. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in New Mexico vs Montana?
New Mexico has 35 state parks and 2 national parks in this file. Montana has 55 state parks and 2 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in Montana compare to New Mexico?
Population density is 18.0 people per square mile in New Mexico vs 7.9 in Montana.
How do New Mexico and Montana compare on demographics?
New Mexico: 36.8% White (non-Hispanic), 49.3% Hispanic, 2.2% Black, 1.8% Asian. Montana: 85.1% White (non-Hispanic), 4.3% Hispanic, 1.1% Black, 0.9% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to Montana and the reverse route, Montana → New Mexico.
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