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Tennessee to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 1,160 mile interstate move from Tennessee to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity and allergies vs dry climate), food & health (like Barbecue Ribs vs Green Chile), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs pueblo, territorial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Mexico), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue Ribs and Hot Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Green Chile & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Tennessee
  • Rent in New Mexico is 18.97% more affordable than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to New Mexico will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to New Mexico movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Tennessee to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to New Mexico

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Humidity and allergies
  • Limited job market
  • Traffic congestion
  • Expensive healthcare
ProsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Dry climate
  • Expanding industries
  • Less crowded roads
  • Affordable healthcare

New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Fewer music venues
  • Less greenery
  • Higher housing costs
  • Colder winters
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Rich music culture
  • Plentiful green parks
  • Lower cost of living
  • Mild winters

Pros of moving from Tennessee to New Mexico

  • Say goodbye to humidity and allergies and hello to dry climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job market and moving to New Mexico with expanding industries
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Tennessee for less crowded roads in New Mexico
  • Get ready for affordable healthcare in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Tennessee to New Mexico

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich music culture in Tennessee to live with fewer music venues in New Mexico
  • You'll lose out on the pro of plentiful green parks and have to settle for the con of less greenery
  • Time to bid farewell to lower cost of living and get used to higher housing costs in New Mexico
  • Swap mild winters for colder winters

Tennessee vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsGreen Chile
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemPulled Pork SandwichBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitCalabacitas
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Jack's Bar-B-Que
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Rodeo Goat
  • Sadie's of New Mexico
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • El Modelo Mexican Foods
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 Tennessee to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous Pulled Pork Sandwich, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit 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 Tennessee eateries like Jack's Bar-B-Que, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and Rodeo Goat. 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, Frontier Restaurant, and El Modelo Mexican Foods.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and New Mexico

ComparisonTennesseeNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanPueblo, Territorial
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, Large yardsVigas, Kiva fireplaces
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Territorial architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and large yards, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like vigas and kiva fireplaces.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Mexico is more walkable than Tennessee.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • New Mexico has more of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 18.97% more affordable than in Tennessee.

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

ComparisonTennesseeNew 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, FloodsDroughts, Wildfires
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89Β°F / 68Β°F92Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49Β°F / 30Β°F54Β°F / 23Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5414
Annual Snowfall (Inches)522
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Tennessee to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 35% more sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Tennessee.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential droughts and wildfires in New Mexico.
  • The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 3 degrees warmer than Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows in New Mexico are 7 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 40 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and New Mexico

ComparisonTennesseeNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$65,254$59,726
Cost of Living Index88.996.45
State Income Tax0%1.7% - 4.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.64%0.78%
Avg. Sales Tax9.55%7.82%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, AgricultureOil & Gas, Tourism, Film & Media
AffluenceModerateMixed
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 8% less than those in Tennessee
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 8% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
  • Bummer... By moving from TN to NM, you'll now have a state income tax of 1.7% - 4.9%
  • The affluence in New Mexico is mixed compared to moderate affluence in Tennessee
  • The poverty level is high in New Mexico compared to moderate poverty in Tennessee
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Tennessee and moderate in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. New Mexico

ComparisonTennesseeNew Mexico
Political Make-upTraditionally ConservativeLeans Liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican Dominance in State LegislatureDemocratic Control of State Legislature
ReligionProtestant MajorityCatholic Majority
  • Tennessee tends to lean traditionally 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 a Catholic majority
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to New Mexico

ComparisonTennesseeNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLakewood Elementary - White Lake
Walton Ferry Elementary - Hendersonville
A. Z. Kelley Elementary - Nashville
Double Eagle Elementary - Albuquerque
Wood Gormley Elementary - Santa Fe
Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary - Albuquerque
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBrentwood Middle School - Brentwood
Meigs Academic Magnet Middle - Nashville
Houston Middle - Germantown
Desert Ridge Middle - Albuquerque
Sydney Gutierrez Middle - Roswell
Lincoln Middle - Rio Rancho
Top 3 High School SchoolsCentral Magnet School - Murfreesboro
Hume-Fogg Academic High - Nashville
Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet School - Nashville
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science - Albuquerque
La Cueva High - Albuquerque
Early College Academy - Albuquerque
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School - Chattanooga
McCallie School - Chattanooga
University School of Nashville - Nashville
Albuquerque Academy - Albuquerque
Santa Fe Preparatory School - Santa Fe
Sandia Preparatory School - Albuquerque
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Webb School - Bell Buckle
Franklin Road Academy - Nashville
The Baylor School - Chattanooga
Albuquerque Academy - Albuquerque
Santa Fe Waldorf School - Santa Fe
Bosque School - Albuquerque
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oak Ridge City Schools
Los Alamos Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools

How Much Do Tennessee to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 1,160 miles from Tennessee to New Mexico 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$1,860300 ft3$6.20
1 Bedroom$2,768450 ft3$6.15
2 Bedrooms$4,575750 ft3$6.10
3 Bedrooms$6,6551100 ft3$6.05
4 Bedrooms$9,6011600 ft3$6.00
5+ Bedrooms$10,7111800 ft3$5.95

Top Tennessee to New Mexico Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Tennessee to New Mexico 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 Tennessee to New Mexico

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

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