diff --git a/pkgs/top-level/metrics.nix b/pkgs/top-level/metrics.nix
index c045439da1a..1decb810f97 100644
--- a/pkgs/top-level/metrics.nix
+++ b/pkgs/top-level/metrics.nix
@@ -8,7 +8,8 @@ runCommand "nixpkgs-metrics"
     #requiredSystemFeatures = [ "benchmark" ]; # dedicated machine, by @vcunat last time
   }
   ''
-    export NIX_STATE_DIR=$TMPDIR
+    export NIX_STORE_DIR=$TMPDIR/store
+    export NIX_STATE_DIR=$TMPDIR/state
     export NIX_PAGER=
     nix-store --init