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Colorado to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 406 mile interstate move from Colorado to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Colorado vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Rocky Mountain Oysters vs New Mexico Green Chile), real estate & housing (mountain and modern vs pueblo revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Rocky Mountain Oysters and Bison Burgers, but get your taste buds ready for New Mexico Green Chile & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in Colorado
  • Rent in New Mexico is 32.78% more affordable than in Colorado
  • Moving from Colorado to New Mexico will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Colorado to New Mexico movers is Movemasters, Inc.

Colorado to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to New Mexico

ConsColorado iconColorado
  • Higher cost of living
  • Overcrowded trails
  • Chilly winters
  • Traffic congestion
  • High altitude effects
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less crowded nature spots
  • Milder winters
  • Less traffic
  • Lower altitude comfort

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Limited cultural events
  • Fewer snow activities
  • Fewer craft breweries
  • Lacks Colorado's mountains
  • Smaller job market
Colorado iconColorado
  • Vibrant cultural scenes
  • Snow sports availability
  • Abundant breweries
  • Rocky Mountain views
  • Diverse job market

Pros of moving from Colorado to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from overcrowded trails and moving to New Mexico with less crowded nature spots
  • Swap the chilly winters of Colorado for milder winters in New Mexico
  • Get ready for less traffic in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Colorado to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant cultural scenes in Colorado to live with limited cultural events in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of snow sports availability and have to settle for the con of fewer snow activities
  • Time to bid farewell to abundant breweries and get used to fewer craft breweries in New Mexico
  • Swap Rocky Mountain views for the lack of Colorado's mountains

Colorado vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonColoradoNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersNew Mexico Green Chile
Most popular meat dishBison BurgersCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemBreakfast BurritoTacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladBean Tostadas
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • Beau Jo’s Pizza
  • The Buckhorn Exchange
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • El Modelo
  • Frontier Restaurant
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Colorado to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious New Mexico Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Burgers and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Bean Tostadas of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Beau Jo’s Pizza, and The Buckhorn Exchange. 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, and Frontier Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and New Mexico

ComparisonColoradoNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleMountain and ModernPueblo Revival
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, outdoor activitiesCultural heritage, landscapes
  • The Mountain and Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and outdoor activities, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like cultural heritage and landscapes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; New Mexico is less walkable than Colorado.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; New Mexico is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
  • New Mexico has less of an urban feel than Colorado.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Colorado’s $549,126.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased 56% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 32.78% more affordable than in Colorado.

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

ComparisonColoradoNew Mexico
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, WildfiresWildfires, Floods
Air QualityGoodVaries (Urban vs Rural)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/55Β°F92Β°F/64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)45Β°F/18Β°F52Β°F/24Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15.613.9
Annual Snowfall (Inches)67.622
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Colorado to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 14% more sunshine days than Colorado.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Colorado.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and wildfires in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in New Mexico.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 7 degrees warmer than in Colorado.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Colorado.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 1.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Colorado.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and New Mexico

ComparisonColoradoNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$89,302$59,726
Cost of Living Index98.396.45
State Income Tax4.63%1.7% - 5.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.49%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax2.9%5.125%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Tourism, AgricultureMining, Aerospace, Tourism
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessModerateHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 33% less than those in Colorado
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Colorado
  • The state income tax in NM is 1.7% - 5.9% compared to 4.63% in CO
  • The affluence in New Mexico is lower compared to moderate affluence in Colorado
  • The poverty level is higher in New Mexico compared to lower poverty in Colorado
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Colorado and high in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. New Mexico

ComparisonColoradoNew Mexico
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed urban and rural influencesSignificant Spanish and Native American influence
ReligionModerately religious, diverse faithsMore religious, predominantly Catholic
  • Colorado tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • New Mexico's religious environment can be described as more religious and predominantly Catholic
  • Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as moderately religious and diverse faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to New Mexico

ComparisonColoradoNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBromwell Elementary - Denver
Cory Elementary - Denver
Slavens K-8 School - Denver
Double Eagle Elementary - Albuquerque
Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary - Albuquerque
La Cueva High - Albuquerque
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDenver School of the Arts - Denver
Challenge School - Denver
McAuliffe International School - Denver
Desert Ridge Middle - Albuquerque
Lincoln Middle - Rio Rancho
Sidney Gutierrez Middle - Roswell
Top 3 High School SchoolsCherry Creek High - Greenwood Village
Fairview High - Boulder
Denver School of the Arts - Denver
La Cueva High - Albuquerque
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science - Albuquerque
Cottonwood Classical Prep - Albuquerque
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Colorado Springs School - Colorado Springs
Kent Denver School - Englewood
Fountain Valley School - Colorado Springs
Albuquerque Academy - Albuquerque
Santa Fe Preparatory School - Santa Fe
Bosque School - Albuquerque
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsColorado Academy - Denver
St. Mary's Academy - Englewood
Vail Mountain School - Vail
Albuquerque Academy - Albuquerque
Bosque School - Albuquerque
Santa Fe Waldorf School - Santa Fe
Top 3 School DistrictsCherry Creek School District
Boulder Valley School District
Denver Public Schools
Los Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools

How Much Do Colorado to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 406 miles from Colorado to New Mexico will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,433300 ft3$4.78
1 Bedroom$2,126450 ft3$4.73
2 Bedrooms$3,507750 ft3$4.68
3 Bedrooms$5,0881100 ft3$4.63
4 Bedrooms$7,3211600 ft3$4.58
5+ Bedrooms$8,1461800 ft3$4.53

Top Colorado to New Mexico Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Colorado to New Mexico movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Colorado to New Mexico

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC featured image

Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details

Denver to New Mexico

Colorado Springs to New Mexico

Aurora to New Mexico

Fort Collins to New Mexico

Lakewood to New Mexico