MO to NM Moving Specialists

Missouri to New Mexico Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 842 mile interstate move from Missouri to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Missouri vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like muggy summer humidity vs dry comfortable summers), food & health (like St. Louis-style BBQ vs New Mexico green chile), real estate & housing (colonial revival vs pueblo revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Mexico), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to St. Louis-style BBQ and Smoked ribs, but get your taste buds ready for New Mexico green chile & Carne adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 23% more expensive than they are in Missouri
  • Rent in New Mexico is 2.06% more expensive than in Missouri
  • Moving from Missouri to New Mexico will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Missouri to New Mexico movers is Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
Missouri to New Mexico featured image

Top Missouri to New Mexico Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Best moving company overall for Missouri to New Mexico

9.63/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

9.39/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.34/10
Exceptional

Missouri to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to New Mexico

ConsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Muggy summer humidity
  • Higher tornado frequency
  • Icy winter storms
  • Heavy pollen seasons
  • Mosquitoes and ticks
  • River flood risk
  • Cloudy winter skies
  • Mold and mildew
  • Limited mountain terrain
  • Fewer sunny days
  • Severe thunderstorms
  • Chigger outbreaks
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Dry comfortable summers
  • Fewer tornadoes
  • Milder winter weather
  • Lower pollen counts
  • Fewer biting insects
  • Drier overall climate
  • Abundant winter sunshine
  • Drier indoor air
  • High desert mountains
  • More sunny days
  • Generally calmer storms
  • Minimal chiggers

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Drier desert landscapes
  • Scarcer surface water
  • High altitude adjustment
  • Very dry air
  • Limited fall color
  • Longer regional drives
  • Stronger high altitude sun
  • Sparse tree cover
  • Higher wildfire risk
  • Fewer major teams
  • Monsoon flash flooding
  • More spread out cities
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Lush green scenery
  • Many lakes rivers
  • Low altitude living
  • Humid air moisture
  • Rich fall foliage
  • Central US location
  • Lower UV intensity
  • Thick forest shade
  • Lower wildfire risk
  • Big league sports teams
  • Abundant summer rain
  • Shorter city distances

Pros of moving from Missouri to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to muggy summer humidity and hello to dry, comfortable summers
  • Look forward to moving away from higher tornado frequency and moving to New Mexico with fewer tornadoes
  • Swap the icy winter storms of Missouri for milder winter weather in New Mexico
  • Get ready for lower pollen counts in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Missouri to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush green scenery in Missouri to live with drier desert landscapes in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of many lakes and rivers and have to settle for the con of scarcer surface water
  • Time to bid farewell to low altitude living and get used to high altitude adjustment in New Mexico
  • Swap humid air moisture for very dry air

Missouri vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMissouriNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemSt. Louis-style BBQNew Mexico green chile
Most popular meat dishSmoked ribsCarne adovada
Most popular street food itemToasted ravioliNavajo taco
Most popular vegan foodCauliflower wingsBlue corn enchiladas
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Pappy's Smokehouse
    • Blues City Deli
    • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
    • Frontier Restaurant
    • El Modelo
    • SantaCafΓ©
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 Missouri to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic St. Louis-style BBQ of Missouri for the equally delicious New Mexico green chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Missouri rave about their flavorful smoked ribs and sumptuous toasted ravioli, New Mexico residents know they have tasty carne adovada and Navajo tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the cauliflower wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the blue corn enchiladas of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Missouri eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Blues City Deli, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Frontier Restaurant, El Modelo, and Santa CafΓ©.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Missouri and New Mexico

ComparisonMissouriNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalPueblo 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 listingSpacious backyards, Garage spacesNatural light, Energy efficiency
  • The Colonial Revival architecture that Missouri is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Missouri's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and garage spaces, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like natural light and energy efficiency.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. New Mexico is less walkable than Missouri.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Missouri.
  • New Mexico has less of an urban feel than Missouri.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 23% more expensive than they are in Missouri, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Missouri’s $243,216.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 49% increase in Missouri.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 2.06% more expensive than in Missouri.

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

ComparisonMissouriNew 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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsWildfires, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6792/64
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2055/26
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4214
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1822
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Missouri to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 30% more sunshine days than Missouri.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Missouri.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Missouri, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in New Mexico.
  • The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 3 degrees warmer than in Missouri.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Missouri.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 28 fewer inches of rain compared to Missouri.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Missouri and New Mexico

ComparisonMissouriNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$64,811$59,726
Cost of Living Index91.896.45
State Income Tax5.4%4.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.98%0.78%
Avg. Sales Tax8.29%7.82%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Aerospace, Financial ServicesEnergy, Aerospace, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyManageableConcerning
HomelessnessStableChallenging
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 8% less than in Missouri
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Missouri
  • The state income tax in NM is 4.9% compared to 5.4% in MO
  • The affluence in New Mexico is modest compared to moderate in Missouri
  • The poverty level is concerning in New Mexico compared to manageable in Missouri
  • In terms of homelessness, it is stable in Missouri and challenging in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Missouri vs. New Mexico

ComparisonMissouriNew Mexico
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsMixed, with rural areas more conservativeLiberal in urban areas, conservative in rural
ReligionChristian, with a significant Protestant populationDiverse, with Catholic and Native American spiritual practices
  • Missouri tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
  • New Mexico's religious environment can be described as diverse, with Catholic and Native American spiritual practices
  • Missouri's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian, with a significant Protestant population

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to New Mexico

ComparisonMissouriNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Missouri
Columbia; Missouri State University
Springfield; Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque; New Mexico State University
Las Cruces; Eastern New Mexico University
Portales
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCapt. Elementary School
Clayton; New Mark Elementary School
Kansas City; Ralph M. Captor School
Town and Country
Coronado Elementary School
Albuquerque; Wood Gormley Elementary
Santa Fe; Eldorado Elementary School
Albuquerque
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge Caleb Bingham Middle School
Independence; Brittany Hill Middle School
Blue Springs; Ladue Middle School
Ladue
Los Alamos Middle School
Los Alamos; Taft Middle School
Albuquerque; Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque
Top 3 High SchoolsLadue Horton Watkins High School
St. Louis; Rock Bridge Senior High School
Columbia; Kirkwood High School
Kirkwood
La Cueva High School
Albuquerque; Los Alamos High School
Los Alamos; Eldorado High School
Albuquerque
Top 3 private high schoolsJohn Burroughs School
St. Louis; Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City; Whitfield School
St. Louis
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque; Santa Fe Preparatory School
Santa Fe; Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City; Whitfield School
St. Louis; Thomas Jefferson School
St. Louis
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque; Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque; Santa Fe Preparatory School
Santa Fe
Top 3 School DistrictsClayton School District
Clayton; Ladue School District
Ladue; Rockwood School District
Eureka
Los Alamos Public Schools
Los Alamos; Albuquerque Public Schools
Albuquerque; Rio Rancho Public Schools
Rio Rancho

How Much Do Missouri to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 842 miles from Missouri to New Mexico will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-8.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,680300 ft3$5.60
1 Bedroom$2,497450 ft3$5.55
2 Bedrooms$4,125750 ft3$5.50
3 Bedrooms$5,9941100 ft3$5.45
4 Bedrooms$8,6391600 ft3$5.40
5+ Bedrooms$9,6291800 ft3$5.35

Kansas City to New Mexico

St. Louis to New Mexico

Springfield to New Mexico