California to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to New Mexico

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Overcrowded
• Wildfires

ProsNew Mexico

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Spacious landscapes
• Fewer natural disasters

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New Mexico

• Less coastal beauty
• Lesser job opportunities
• Slower-paced lifestyle
• Fewer local wineries

California

• Varied landscapes
• Diverse job market
• Innovative culture
• Award-winning wineries

Pros of moving from California to New Mexico

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to New Mexico with less traffic
• Swap the overcrowded nature of California for spacious landscapes in New Mexico
• Get ready for fewer natural disasters in New Mexico

Cons of moving from California to New Mexico

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from varied landscapes in California to live with less coastal beauty in New Mexico
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle for the con of fewer job opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to the innovative culture and get used to a slower-paced lifestyle in New Mexico
• Swap award-winning wineries for fewer local wineries

California vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious New Mexico Green Chile. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip steak and sumptuous Fish Tacos, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blue Corn Blueberry Pancakes of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, Spago, and In-N-Out Burger. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, El Modelo Mexican Foods, and Frontier Restaurant.

When comparing lifestyles, New Mexico shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in New Mexico compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in New Mexico.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and New Mexico

• The Modern, Spanish, and Craftsman architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo, Territorial, and Spanish architecture typical of New Mexico.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to tech hubs, luxury amenities, and ocean views, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views, large plots, and cultural richness.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; New Mexico is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; New Mexico is less bike-friendly than California.
• New Mexico has less of an urban feel than California.
• New Mexico housing costs are 62% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in New Mexico is 50.04% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and New Mexico

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from California to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 3% more sunshine days than California.
• New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flash floods in New Mexico.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 7 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows in New Mexico are 22 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and New Mexico

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 35% less than in California
• The COLI in New Mexico will be 29% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in NM is 4.9% compared to 9.3% in CA
• The affluence in New Mexico is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and less prominent in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. New Mexico

• California tends to lean Liberal-leaning in its political climate
• New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as moderately liberal
• New Mexico's religious environment can be described as having a higher Catholic presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more secular and diverse religions

Education Guide When Moving from California to New Mexico

How Much Do California to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 1,011 miles from California to New Mexico will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.