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New Mexico to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 1,159 mile interstate move from New Mexico to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Mexico vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like dry climate vs mild, humid weather), food & health (like Green Chile vs Fried Green Tomatoes), real estate & housing (pueblo revival vs antebellum and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alabama), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Green Chile and Carne Adovada, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Green Tomatoes & Barbecue Ribs
  • Alabama housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in New Mexico
  • Rent in Alabama is 8.21% more expensive than in New Mexico
  • Moving from New Mexico to Alabama will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended New Mexico to Alabama movers is MoveDaddy

New Mexico to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Mexico to Alabama

ConsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Dry climate
  • Limited job market
  • High elevation
  • Few sports teams
  • Remote locations
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Mild, humid weather
  • Growing job opportunities
  • Sea-level living
  • Sports culture
  • Close-knit communities

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Fewer scenic landscapes
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Traditional Southern food
  • Fewer cultural festivals
  • Less historical variety
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Cultural diversity
  • Unique cuisine
  • Festivals and arts
  • Rich history

Pros of moving from New Mexico to Alabama

  • Say goodbye to dry climate and hello to mild, humid weather
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job market and moving to Alabama with growing job opportunities
  • Swap the high elevation of New Mexico for sea-level living in Alabama
  • Get ready for sports culture in Alabama

Cons of moving from New Mexico to Alabama

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic landscapes in New Mexico to live with fewer scenic landscapes in Alabama
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle with the con of less cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to unique cuisine and get used to traditional Southern food in Alabama
  • Swap festivals and arts for fewer cultural festivals

New Mexico vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew MexicoAlabama
Most iconic local food itemGreen ChileFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular meat dishCarne AdovadaBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemBreakfast BurritoPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodGreen Chile Stew (Vegan Version)Black-Eyed Peas and Collards
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • El Modelo Mexican Foods
  • Saw's BBQ
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Automatic Seafood and Oysters
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 New Mexico to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Green Chile of New Mexico for the equally delicious Fried Green Tomatoes of Alabama. And while the locals in New Mexico rave about their flavorful Carne Adovada and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, Alabama residents know they have tasty Barbecue Ribs and Pulled Pork Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Green Chile Stew (Vegan Version) they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black-Eyed Peas and Collards of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Mexico eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, Frontier Restaurant, and El Modelo Mexican Foods. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Saw's BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Automatic Seafood and Oysters.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Mexico and Alabama

ComparisonNew MexicoAlabama
Typical Architecture StylePueblo RevivalAntebellum and Victorian
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 listingScenic views, large plotsHistoric homes, hardwood floors
  • The Pueblo Revival architecture that New Mexico is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Victorian architecture typical of Alabama.
  • Compared to New Mexico's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and large plots, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and hardwood floors.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than New Mexico.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than New Mexico.
  • Alabama has less of an urban feel than New Mexico.
  • Alabama housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in New Mexico, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to New Mexico’s $300,227.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 56% increase in New Mexico.
  • Rent in Alabama is 8.21% more expensive than in New Mexico.

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

ComparisonNew MexicoAlabama
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 DisastersWildfires, FloodsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 64Β°F91Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 26Β°F57Β°F / 38Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1456
Annual Snowfall (Inches)112
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Mexico to Alabama. Alabama gets 25% fewer sunshine days than New Mexico.
  • Alabama has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Mexico.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in New Mexico, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
  • The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 3 degrees warmer than in New Mexico.
  • The average winter lows are 12 degrees warmer than they are in New Mexico.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 42 more inches of rain compared to New Mexico.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Mexico and Alabama

ComparisonNew MexicoAlabama
Avg. Household Income$59,726$59,674
Cost of Living Index96.4591.2
State Income Tax4.9%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.78%0.42%
Avg. Sales Tax7.83%9.22%
Top 3 IndustriesOil & Gas, Tourism, GovernmentManufacturing, Retail, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyNotableConcerning
HomelessnessManageablePersistent
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 0% less than in New Mexico
  • The COLI in Alabama will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in New Mexico
  • The state income tax in AL is 5% compared to 4.9% in NM
  • The affluence in Alabama is modest compared to moderate in New Mexico
  • The poverty level is concerning in Alabama compared to notable in New Mexico
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in New Mexico and persistent in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in New Mexico vs. Alabama

ComparisonNew MexicoAlabama
Political Make-upTends to lean DemocraticTends to lean Republican
Local PoliticsModerate with emphasis on local issuesConservative, strong focus on state rights
ReligionMixed, with a significant Catholic presencePrimarily Protestant, with a strong Evangelical influence
  • New Mexico tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Alabama's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a strong Evangelical influence
  • New Mexico's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to Alabama

ComparisonNew MexicoAlabama
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsDouble Eagle Elementary - Albuquerque
Wood Gormley Elementary - Santa Fe
Hubert H Humphrey Elementary - Albuquerque
Mountain Brook Elementary - Mountain Brook
Vestavia Hills Elementary West - Vestavia Hills
Cherokee Bend Elementary - Mountain Brook
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDesert Ridge Middle School - Albuquerque
Sidney Gutierrez Middle School - Roswell
Lincoln Middle School - Rio Rancho
Mountain Brook Junior High School - Mountain Brook
Berry Middle School - Hoover
Liberty Park Middle School - Vestavia Hills
Top 3 High SchoolsLa Cueva High School - Albuquerque
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science - Albuquerque
Rio Rancho High School - Rio Rancho
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School - Montgomery
Mountain Brook High School - Mountain Brook
Vestavia Hills High School - Vestavia Hills
Top 3 private high schoolsAlbuquerque Academy - Albuquerque
Sandia Preparatory School - Albuquerque
Santa Fe Preparatory School - Santa Fe
The Altamont School - Birmingham
Randolph School - Huntsville
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHope Christian School - Albuquerque
Menaul School - Albuquerque
Sandia Preparatory School - Albuquerque
Madison Academy - Madison
The Montgomery Academy - Montgomery
The Donoho School - Anniston
Top 3 School DistrictsLos Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Farmington Municipal Schools
Mountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Homewood City Schools

How Much Do New Mexico to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 1,159 miles from New Mexico to Alabama will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-24 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,860300 ft3$6.20
1 Bedroom$2,767450 ft3$6.15
2 Bedrooms$4,574750 ft3$6.10
3 Bedrooms$6,6531100 ft3$6.05
4 Bedrooms$9,5981600 ft3$6.00
5+ Bedrooms$10,7071800 ft3$5.95

Top New Mexico to Alabama Movers

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

TOP PICK
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

Best moving company overall for New Mexico to Alabama

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
New Latitude Movers featured image

New Latitude Movers

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details