Movers

Pennsylvania to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,739 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild climate), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs New Mexico Green Chile), real estate & housing (colonial vs pueblo revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pittsburgh Steak Salad, but get your taste buds ready for New Mexico Green Chile & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in New Mexico is 8.20% more affordable than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to New Mexico will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to New Mexico movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to New Mexico

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Dense traffic
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Mild climate
  • Lower taxes
  • Less congestion
  • Abundant hiking trails

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Less historical sites
  • More rural areas
  • Landlocked
  • Arid climate
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant cities
  • Proximity to coast
  • Four distinct seasons

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to New Mexico with lower taxes
  • Swap the dense traffic of Pennsylvania for less congestion in New Mexico
  • Get ready for abundant hiking trails in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant cities and have to settle for the con of more rural areas
  • Time to bid farewell to proximity to the coast and get used to being landlocked in New Mexico
  • Swap four distinct seasons for an arid climate

Pennsylvania vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakNew Mexico Green Chile
Most popular meat dishPittsburgh Steak SaladCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemPretzelsBreakfast Burritos
Most popular vegan foodMushroom SoupBlue Corn Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Zahav
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • El Modelo
  • 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 Pennsylvania to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious New Mexico Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh Steak Salad and sumptuous Pretzels, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burritos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup 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 Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Primanti Bros., and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, El Modelo, and Frontier Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and New Mexico

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleColonialPueblo 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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsVigas, Kiva fireplaces
  • The Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo Revival architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like vigas and kiva fireplaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; New Mexico is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • New Mexico is similarly bike-friendly to Pennsylvania.
  • New Mexico has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 8.20% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNew 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 DisastersFlooding, SnowstormsWildfires, Floods
Air QualityModerateGenerally Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6292/64
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37/2149/23
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4214
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3811
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 56% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible flooding and snowstorms in Pennsylvania, 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 7 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer in New Mexico than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 28 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and New Mexico

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$71,798$59,726
Cost of Living Index99.796.45
State Income Tax3.07%1.7%-5.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%0.78%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%7.82%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, EducationEnergy, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyManageableHigher
HomelessnessStableConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 17% less than those in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in NM is 1.7% to 5.9% compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in New Mexico is lower compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is higher in New Mexico compared to manageable poverty in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is stable in Pennsylvania and concerning in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. New Mexico

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNew Mexico
Political Make-upSwing state, variedLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed, local government significantDemocratic strongholds in cities
ReligionChristian majority, diverse religious communitiesChristian majority, with notable Native American spiritual practices
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state and varied in its political climate
  • New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as leans Democratic
  • New Mexico's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with notable Native American spiritual practices
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to New Mexico

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State University
University of Pittsburgh
Temple University
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWhitemarsh Elementary
Fort Washington; Franklin Elementary
Lancaster; Harding Elementary
Erie
Double Eagle Elementary
Albuquerque; Wood Gormley Elementary
Santa Fe; Georgia O'Keeffe Elementary
Albuquerque
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaverford Middle
Havertown; Radnor Middle
Radnor; E.T. Richardson Middle
Springfield
Desert Ridge Middle
Albuquerque; Sidney Gutierrez Middle
Roswell; Mountain View Middle
Rio Rancho
Top 3 High SchoolsConestoga High School
Berwyn; Masterman High School
Philadelphia; Central High School
Philadelphia
Las Cruces High School
Las Cruces; Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque; La Cueva High School
Albuquerque
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School
Haverford; The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr; Mercersburg Academy
Mercersburg
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque; Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque; Bosque School
Albuquerque
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsShady Side Academy
Pittsburgh; The Shipley School
Bryn Mawr; Germantown Academy
Fort Washington
Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque; Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque; Bosque School
Albuquerque
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Berwyn; Radnor Township School District
Radnor; Lower Merion School District
Ardmore
Los Alamos Public Schools
Los Alamos; Rio Rancho Public Schools
Rio Rancho; Artesia Public Schools
Artesia

How Much Do Pennsylvania to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 1,739 miles from Pennsylvania to New Mexico will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,188300 ft3$7.29
1 Bedroom$3,260450 ft3$7.24
2 Bedrooms$5,396750 ft3$7.19
3 Bedrooms$7,8591100 ft3$7.14
4 Bedrooms$11,3511600 ft3$7.09
5+ Bedrooms$12,6801800 ft3$7.04

Top Pennsylvania to New Mexico Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to New Mexico

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details

Philadelphia to New Mexico

Pittsburgh to New Mexico