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North Carolina to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 1,647 mile interstate move from North Carolina to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs dry climate), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Green Chile), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs pueblo, spanish revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern NC Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Green Chile & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in New Mexico is 21.36% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to New Mexico will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to New Mexico movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to New Mexico

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • High humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Traffic congestion
  • Busy tourist areas
  • Mild winters
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Dry climate
  • Low natural disasters
  • Lighter traffic
  • Tranquil environments
  • Sunny winters

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • No beaches
  • Drier soil
  • Less biodiversity
  • Fewer historic landmarks
  • Sparse urban landscapes
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Coastal beaches
  • Fertile land
  • Diverse ecosystems
  • Historic sites
  • Vibrant cities

Pros of moving from North Carolina to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a dry climate
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to New Mexico with low natural disasters
  • Swap the traffic congestion of North Carolina for lighter traffic in New Mexico
  • Get ready for tranquil environments in New Mexico

Cons of moving from North Carolina to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal beaches in North Carolina to live with no beaches in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of fertile land and have to settle for the con of drier soil
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse ecosystems and get used to less biodiversity in New Mexico
  • Swap historic sites for fewer historic landmarks

North Carolina vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQGreen Chile
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BarbecueCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemBBQ SandwichBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodSweet PotatoBlue Corn Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Skylight Inn BBQ
  • Jim 'N Nick's
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • El Modelo Mexican Foods
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 North Carolina to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous BBQ Sandwich, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Potato 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 North Carolina eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, Jim 'N Nick's, and Buxton Hall Barbecue. 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, Sadie's of New Mexico, and El Modelo Mexican Foods.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and New Mexico

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanPueblo, Spanish 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 listingLarge backyards, hardwood floorsVigas, kiva fireplaces
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Spanish Revival architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and hardwood floors, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like vigas and kiva fireplaces.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Mexico is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • New Mexico has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 21.36% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew 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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesWildfires, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86Β°F / 66Β°F92Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F49Β°F / 23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5014
Annual Snowfall (Inches)422
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 31% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina, 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 6 degrees warmer than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 36 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and New Mexico

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$67,481$59,726
Cost of Living Index95.8596.45
State Income Tax5.25%4.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%0.75%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%7.83%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Manufacturing, AgricultureEnergy, Aerospace, Tourism
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 11% less than in North Carolina
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in NM is 4.9% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in New Mexico is low compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and moderate in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. New Mexico

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Mexico
Political Make-upModerately ConservativeLeans Liberal
Local PoliticsSwing StateDemocratic Stronghold
ReligionChristian DominatedMixed; Higher non-religious population
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately 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 mixed with a higher non-religious population
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian Dominated

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to New Mexico

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary (Charlotte)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Double Eagle Elementary (Albuquerque)
Wood Gormley Elementary (Santa Fe)
Sidney Gutierrez Middle School (a K-8 school in Roswell)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Community House Middle School (Charlotte)
Ligon Middle School (Raleigh)
Sidney Gutierrez Middle School (Roswell)
Desert Ridge Middle School (Albuquerque)
Eisenhower Middle School (Albuquerque)
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Providence High School (Charlotte)
La Cueva High School (Albuquerque)
Albuquerque Institute of Mathematics and Science (Albuquerque)
Cottonwood Classical Prep (Albuquerque)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Santa Fe Preparatory School (Santa Fe)
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Union County Public Schools
Wake County Public School System
Los Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Farmington Municipal Schools

How Much Do North Carolina to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 1,647 miles from North Carolina to New Mexico will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,136300 ft3$7.12
1 Bedroom$3,182450 ft3$7.07
2 Bedrooms$5,266750 ft3$7.02
3 Bedrooms$7,6681100 ft3$6.97
4 Bedrooms$11,0731600 ft3$6.92
5+ Bedrooms$12,3671800 ft3$6.87

Top North Carolina to New Mexico Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to New Mexico

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details

Charlotte to New Mexico

Raleigh to New Mexico

Greensboro to New Mexico

Durham to New Mexico

Winston-Salem to New Mexico

Fayetteville to New Mexico

Cary to New Mexico