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New Mexico to Tennessee Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 1,156 mile interstate move from New Mexico to Tennessee? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Mexico vs Tennessee across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high desert climate vs lush green environment), food & health (like Green Chile vs Barbecue Ribs), real estate & housing (pueblo revival vs colonial, federal), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Tennessee), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Green Chile and Carne Adovada, but get your taste buds ready for Barbecue Ribs & Hot Chicken
  • Tennessee housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in New Mexico
  • Rent in Tennessee is 23.41% more expensive than in New Mexico
  • Moving from New Mexico to Tennessee will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended New Mexico to Tennessee movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

New Mexico to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Mexico to Tennessee

ConsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • High desert climate
  • Sparse amenities
  • Limited job market
  • High UV exposure
  • Secluded rural areas
ProsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Lush green environment
  • Vibrant cities
  • Diverse employment opportunities
  • Milder summers
  • Community-centered living

Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Lacks local culinary diversity
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Less historical depth
  • Higher living expenses
  • Less spectacular views
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Unique Southwestern cuisine
  • Cultural festivals
  • Rich native history
  • Affordable living costs
  • Stunning desert landscapes

Pros of moving from New Mexico to Tennessee

  • Say goodbye to high desert climate and hello to lush green environment
  • Look forward to moving away from sparse amenities and moving to Tennessee with vibrant cities
  • Swap the limited job market of New Mexico for diverse employment opportunities in Tennessee
  • Get ready for milder summers in Tennessee

Cons of moving from New Mexico to Tennessee

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from unique Southwestern cuisine in New Mexico to live with a lack of local culinary diversity in Tennessee
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cultural festivals and have to settle with the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to rich native history and get used to less historical depth in Tennessee
  • Swap affordable living costs for higher living expenses

New Mexico vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew MexicoTennessee
Most iconic local food itemGreen ChileBarbecue Ribs
Most popular meat dishCarne AdovadaHot Chicken
Most popular street food itemTacosPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodBlue Corn EnchiladasBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • El Modelo
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
  • Prince's Hot Chicken
  • Loveless Cafe
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 Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Green Chile of New Mexico for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in New Mexico rave about their flavorful Carne Adovada and sumptuous Tacos, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and Pulled Pork Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Blue Corn Enchiladas they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Mexico eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, El Modelo, and Frontier Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous, Prince's Hot Chicken, and Loveless Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Mexico and Tennessee

ComparisonNew MexicoTennessee
Typical Architecture StylePueblo RevivalColonial, Federal
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 listingMountain views, open spacesHistoric neighborhoods, proximity to music venues
  • The Pueblo Revival architecture that New Mexico is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Federal architecture typical of Tennessee.
  • Compared to New Mexico's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and open spaces, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight features like historic neighborhoods and proximity to music venues.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Tennessee is more walkable than New Mexico.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Tennessee is more bike-friendly than New Mexico.
  • Tennessee has more of an urban feel than New Mexico.
  • Tennessee housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in New Mexico, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to New Mexico’s $300,227.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 56% increase in New Mexico.
  • Rent in Tennessee is 23.41% more expensive than in New Mexico.

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

ComparisonNew MexicoTennessee
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, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86Β°F / 64Β°F88Β°F / 68Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49Β°F / 23Β°F49Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)13.9"53.7"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)25.8"5.8"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Mexico to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 26% fewer sunshine days than New Mexico.
  • Tennessee 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 tornadoes and floods in Tennessee.
  • The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 2 degrees warmer than in New Mexico.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in New Mexico.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 39.8 more inches of rain compared to New Mexico.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Mexico and Tennessee

ComparisonNew MexicoTennessee
Avg. Household Income$59,726$65,254
Cost of Living Index96.4588.9
State Income Tax5.9%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.8%0.6%
Avg. Sales Tax5.13%7%
Top 3 IndustriesOil and Gas, Government, TourismHealthcare, Automotive, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 9% more than those in New Mexico
  • The COLI in Tennessee will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in New Mexico
  • Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to moderate in New Mexico
  • The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to high in New Mexico
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Mexico and low in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in New Mexico vs. Tennessee

ComparisonNew MexicoTennessee
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsModerately liberal in urban areasConservative in both urban and rural areas
ReligionCatholic & ProtestantEvangelical Protestant
  • New Mexico tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Tennessee's religious environment can be described as evangelical Protestant
  • New Mexico's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic and Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to Tennessee

ComparisonNew MexicoTennessee
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
Eastern New Mexico University
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
University of Memphis
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsManzano Day School (Albuquerque)
Arroyo del Oso Elementary (Albuquerque)
Douglas MacArthur Elementary (Albuquerque)
Lipscomb Elementary (Brentwood)
Percy Priest Elementary (Nashville)
Clovercroft Elementary (Franklin)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAlbuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Desert Ridge Middle School (Albuquerque)
Lincoln Middle School (Albuquerque)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville)
Franklin Classical School (Franklin)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAlbuquerque Institute of Math & Science (Albuquerque)
La Cueva High School (Albuquerque)
Volcano Vista High School (Albuquerque)
Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Ravenwood High School (Brentwood)
Centennial High School (Franklin)
Top 3 private high schoolsAlbuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Santa Fe Preparatory School (Santa Fe)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Baylor School (Chattanooga)
McCallie School (Chattanooga)
The Ensworth School (Nashville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Academy for Technology and the Classics (Santa Fe)
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Franklin Classical School (Franklin)
Harding Academy (Nashville)
Brentwood Academy (Brentwood)
Top 3 School DistrictsLos Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools
Williamson County Schools
Franklin Special School District
Maryville City Schools

How Much Do New Mexico to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 1,156 miles from New Mexico to Tennessee 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,858300 ft3$6.19
1 Bedroom$2,764450 ft3$6.14
2 Bedrooms$4,570750 ft3$6.09
3 Bedrooms$6,6471100 ft3$6.04
4 Bedrooms$9,5891600 ft3$5.99
5+ Bedrooms$10,6971800 ft3$5.94

Top New Mexico to Tennessee Movers

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

TOP PICK
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Best moving company overall for New Mexico to Tennessee

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Boundless Moving & Storage featured image

Boundless Moving & Storage

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details