New Mexico to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Mexico to California

ConsNew Mexico

• Limited job market
• High desert climate
• Less diverse cuisine
• Fewer entertainment options
• Remote locations

ProsCalifornia

• Abundant job opportunities
• Mild coastal weather
• Culinary diversity
• Vibrant entertainment scene
• Accessibility to major cities

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California

• High cost of living
• Hustle and bustle
• Over-commercialization
• Traffic congestion
• High population density

New Mexico

• Low cost of living
• Peaceful environment
• Rich culture
• Outdoor recreation
• Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from New Mexico to California

• Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to abundant job opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from high desert climate and moving to California with mild coastal weather
• Swap the less diverse cuisine of New Mexico for culinary diversity in California
• Get ready for vibrant entertainment scene in California

Cons of moving from New Mexico to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low cost of living in New Mexico to live with high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of peaceful environment and have to settle with the con of hustle and bustle
• Time to bid farewell to rich culture and get used to over-commercialization in California
• Swap outdoor recreation for traffic congestion

New Mexico vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New Mexico to California, you will be trading the iconic Green Chile of New Mexico for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of California. And while the locals in New Mexico rave about their flavorful Carne Adovada and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Blue Corn Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. 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. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Zuni Café, and Gjelina.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Mexico and California

• The Pueblo Revival architecture that New Mexico is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish Mission architecture typical of California.
• Compared to New Mexico's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and mountain views, California real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly elements and proximity to tech jobs.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than New Mexico.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than New Mexico.
• California has more of an urban feel than New Mexico.
• California housing costs are 161% more expensive than they are in New Mexico, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to New Mexico’s $300,227.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 56% increase in New Mexico.
• Rent in California is 100.14% more expensive than in New Mexico.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Mexico to California. California gets 7% fewer sunshine days than New Mexico.
• California has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Mexico.
• Say goodbye to the possible droughts and wildfires in New Mexico, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes, wildfires, and mudslides in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 7 degrees colder than in New Mexico.
• The average winter lows in California are 21 degrees warmer than they are in New Mexico.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in California. California receives 8 more inches of rain compared to New Mexico.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Mexico and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 53% more than those in New Mexico
• The COLI in California is 41% higher than what you are used to living in New Mexico
• The state income tax in California is 13.3% compared to 5.9% in New Mexico
• The affluence in California is high compared to modest in New Mexico
• The poverty level is present in California compared to notable in New Mexico
• In terms of homelessness, it is marginal in New Mexico and significant in California

Political and Religious Climate in New Mexico vs. California

• New Mexico tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as pluralistic with large numbers of unaffiliated <a href='https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/database/state/california/' rel='noopener nofollow' target='_blank'>individuals</a>
• New Mexico's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Catholic with a significant element of Native American spiritual practices

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to California

How Much Do New Mexico to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,015 miles from New Mexico to California will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.