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Oklahoma to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 502 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity vs dry climate), food & health (like Chicken Fried Steak vs Green Chile), real estate & housing (ranch 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 Chicken Fried Steak and BBQ Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Green Chile & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 48% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma
  • Rent in New Mexico is 7.26% more expensive than in Oklahoma
  • Moving from Oklahoma to New Mexico will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Oklahoma to New Mexico movers is JP Moving

Oklahoma to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to New Mexico

ConsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Humidity
  • Tornado threats
  • Flat terrain
  • Higher oil dependency
  • Limited local cuisine
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Dry climate
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Diverse economy
  • Rich culinary scene

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Less familiarity
  • Higher living costs
  • Less varied music
  • Different cultural dynamics
  • Less space in cities
Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Strong community ties
  • Low living costs
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Rich cowboy culture
  • Wide open space

Pros of moving from Oklahoma to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to humidity and hello to dry climate
  • Look forward to moving away from tornado threats and moving to New Mexico with fewer natural disasters
  • Swap the flat terrain of Oklahoma for beautiful landscapes in New Mexico
  • Get ready for a diverse economy in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Oklahoma to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from strong community ties in Oklahoma to live with less familiarity in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of low living costs and have to settle for the con of higher living costs
  • Time to bid farewell to a vibrant music scene and get used to less varied music in New Mexico
  • Swap rich cowboy culture for different cultural dynamics

Oklahoma vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOklahomaNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemChicken Fried SteakGreen Chile
Most popular meat dishBBQ BrisketCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemFried Onion BurgersBreakfast Burritos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan BBQ SandwichCalabacitas
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • Eischen's Bar
  • Joe's Barbecue
  • El Modelo
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • Frontier Restaurant
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 Oklahoma to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful BBQ Brisket and sumptuous Fried Onion Burgers, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burritos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan BBQ Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Calabacitas of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and Joe's 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 El Modelo, Sadie's of New Mexico, and Frontier Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and New Mexico

ComparisonOklahomaNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleRanchPueblo 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 Lot, Open Floor PlanNatural Light, Energy Efficiency
  • The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious lots and open floor plans, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like natural light and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Mexico is more walkable than Oklahoma.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
  • New Mexico has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 48% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Oklahoma’s $203,455.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 7.26% more expensive than in Oklahoma.

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

ComparisonOklahomaNew 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, HailWildfires, Flooding
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 72Β°F92Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 29Β°F49Β°F / 23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3614
Annual Snowfall (Inches)922
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oklahoma to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 22% more sunshine days than Oklahoma.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hail in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flooding in New Mexico.
  • The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 2 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Oklahoma.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and New Mexico

ComparisonOklahomaNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$59,673$59,726
Cost of Living Index90.196.45
State Income Tax5%4.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.87%0.78%
Avg. Sales Tax8.95%7.83%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Oil and Gas, AerospaceEnergy, Tourism, Film
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 0% more than those in Oklahoma
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 7% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
  • The state income tax in NM is 4.9% compared to 5% in OK
  • The affluence in New Mexico is varied compared to moderate affluence in Oklahoma
  • The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to moderate poverty in Oklahoma
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Oklahoma and moderate in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. New Mexico

ComparisonOklahomaNew Mexico
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican majority in state governmentDemocratic majority in state government
ReligionEvangelical ProtestantCatholic
  • Oklahoma 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 Catholic
  • Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to New Mexico

ComparisonOklahomaNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChisholm Elementary School - Enid
Russell Dougherty Elementary - Edmond
Wayland Bonds Elementary - Oklahoma City
Wood Gormley Elementary - Santa Fe
Double Eagle Elementary - Albuquerque
Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary - Albuquerque
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhittier Middle School - Norman
Central Middle School - Edmond
Sequoyah Middle School - Edmond
Desert Ridge Middle School - Albuquerque
Lincoln Middle School - Rio Rancho
Sidney Gutierrez Middle School - Roswell
Top 3 High School SchoolsEdmond North High School - Edmond
Norman North High School - Norman
Jenks High School - Jenks
La Cueva High School - Albuquerque
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science - Albuquerque
Cottonwood Classical Prep - Albuquerque
Top 3 private high schoolsBishop McGuinness Catholic High School - Oklahoma City
Cascia Hall Preparatory School - Tulsa
Heritage Hall - Oklahoma City
Albuquerque Academy - Albuquerque
Santa Fe Preparatory School - Santa Fe
Sandia Preparatory School - Albuquerque
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCrossings Christian School - Oklahoma City
The Academy of Classical Christian Studies - Oklahoma City
Heritage Hall - Oklahoma City
Rio Grande School - Santa Fe
Sandia Preparatory School - Albuquerque
Bosque School - Albuquerque
Top 3 School DistrictsEdmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools
Los Alamos Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools

How Much Do Oklahoma to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 502 miles from Oklahoma to New Mexico will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,487300 ft3$4.96
1 Bedroom$2,208450 ft3$4.91
2 Bedrooms$3,643750 ft3$4.86
3 Bedrooms$5,2881100 ft3$4.81
4 Bedrooms$7,6111600 ft3$4.76
5+ Bedrooms$8,4721800 ft3$4.71

Top Oklahoma to New Mexico Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

Best moving company overall for Oklahoma to New Mexico

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Sneedworks featured image

Sneedworks

9.05/10
ExceptionalView details

Oklahoma City to New Mexico

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