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Minnesota to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 1,292 mile interstate move from Minnesota to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Walleye vs Green Chile), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs pueblo, territorial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Walleye and Hotdish, but get your taste buds ready for Green Chile & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in New Mexico is 18.26% more affordable than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to New Mexico will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to New Mexico movers is Metro Movers

Minnesota to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to New Mexico

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • High humidity
  • Limited cultural festivals
  • High property taxes
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Mild winters
  • Low humidity
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Lower property taxes

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Scarcity of water sources
  • Less Scandinavian influence
  • Limited snow activities
  • Lower-rated schools
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Vast lakes and forests
  • Rich Scandinavian history
  • Abundant snow sports
  • High-quality public schools

Pros of moving from Minnesota to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to New Mexico with low humidity
  • Swap the limited cultural festivals of Minnesota for a vibrant cultural scene in New Mexico
  • Get ready for lower property taxes in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Minnesota to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vast lakes and forests in Minnesota to live with a scarcity of water sources in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich Scandinavian history and have to settle for the con of less Scandinavian influence
  • Time to bid farewell to abundant snow sports and get used to limited snow activities in New Mexico
  • Swap high-quality public schools for lower-rated schools

Minnesota vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemWalleyeGreen Chile
Most popular meat dishHotdishCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemJucy LucyBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerBlue Corn Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The Bachelor Farmer
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • El Modelo
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 Minnesota to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Walleye of Minnesota for the equally delicious Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Hotdish and sumptuous Jucy Lucy, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blue Corn Tacos of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and The Bachelor Farmer. 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, Frontier Restaurant, and El Modelo.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and New Mexico

ComparisonMinnesotaNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchPueblo, Territorial
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 listingLakeside access, Spacious yardsMountain views, Adobe-style fireplaces
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Territorial architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside access and spacious yards, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and adobe-style fireplaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. New Mexico is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • New Mexico has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 18.26% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaNew 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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesWildfires, Flash Floods
Air QualityGoodVaries (urban vs rural)
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F / 63Β°F92Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)24Β°F / 7Β°F49Β°F / 23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)30.2"13.9"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)54"22"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 41% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota, 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 9 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 16.3 fewer inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and New Mexico

ComparisonMinnesotaNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$82,338$59,726
Cost of Living Index98.7596.45
State Income Tax5.35% - 9.85%1.7% - 5.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.08%0.80%
Avg. Sales Tax6.875%5.125%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailEnergy, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 27% less than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in NM is 1.7% - 5.9% compared to 5.35% - 9.85% in MN
  • The affluence in New Mexico is moderate compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to low in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and moderate in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. New Mexico

ComparisonMinnesotaNew Mexico
Political Make-upMixed; leans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal in urban areas, conservative in ruralLiberal in urban areas with significant independent influences
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity dominant, with a notable presence of Native American spiritual beliefs
  • Minnesota tends to lean mixed and leans Democratic in its political climate
  • New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as leans Democratic
  • New Mexico's religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant with a notable presence of Native American spiritual beliefs
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to New Mexico

ComparisonMinnesotaNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
Minneapolis; Minnesota State University
Mankato; St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque; New Mexico State University
Las Cruces; New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsScenic Heights Elementary
Minnetonka; St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower
Stillwater; Yinghua Academy
Minneapolis
Arroyo Del Oso Elementary
Albuquerque; Double Eagle Elementary
Albuquerque; Wood Gormley Elementary
Santa Fe
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMinnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka; St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle
Stillwater; Wayzata East Middle School
Plymouth
Desert Ridge Middle School
Albuquerque; Sidney Gutierrez Middle School
Roswell; Jefferson Middle School
Albuquerque
Top 3 High SchoolsMinnetonka Senior High
Minnetonka; Edina Senior High
Edina; Wayzata High
Plymouth
Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics and Science
Albuquerque; La Cueva High
Albuquerque; Cottonwood Classical Prep
Albuquerque
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School
Golden Valley; Blake School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy
St. Paul
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque; Santa Fe Preparatory School
Santa Fe; Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe International School of Minnesota
Eden Prairie; Breck School
Golden Valley; Blake School
Minneapolis
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque; Bosque School
Albuquerque; Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque
Top 3 School DistrictsWayzata Public Schools
Wayzata; Minnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka; Edina Public Schools
Edina
Los Alamos Public Schools
Los Alamos; Albuquerque Public Schools
Albuquerque; Rio Rancho Public Schools
Rio Rancho

How Much Do Minnesota to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 1,292 miles from Minnesota to New Mexico will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 4-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,935300 ft3$6.45
1 Bedroom$2,880450 ft3$6.40
2 Bedrooms$4,762750 ft3$6.35
3 Bedrooms$6,9301100 ft3$6.30
4 Bedrooms$10,0001600 ft3$6.25
5+ Bedrooms$11,1601800 ft3$6.20

Top Minnesota to New Mexico Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to New Mexico

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details

Minneapolis to New Mexico

St. Paul to New Mexico