WA to NM Moving Specialists

Washington to New Mexico Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,519 mile interstate move from Washington to New Mexico? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs New Mexico across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Seafood (Salmon) vs Chile (Green & Red)), real estate & housing (modern and craftsman vs pueblo and territorial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Seafood (Salmon) and Grilled Salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Chile (Green & Red) & Carne Adovada
  • New Mexico housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in New Mexico is 30.91% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to New Mexico will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Washington to New Mexico movers is Seattle Moves & More

Top Washington to New Mexico Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Washington to New Mexico

9.56/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

9.39/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
Exceptional

Washington vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonNew Mexico
Most iconic local food itemSeafood (Salmon)Chile (Green & Red)
Most popular meat dishGrilled SalmonCarne Adovada
Most popular street food itemSeattle Hot DogBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleBlue Corn Enchiladas
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
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 Washington to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Seafood (Salmon) of Washington for the equally delicious Chile (Green & Red) of New Mexico. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Grilled Salmon and sumptuous Seattle Hot Dog, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Blue Corn Enchiladas of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Mamnoon, and Salumi. 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 less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Washington. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in New Mexico compared to what you are used to in Washington. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in New Mexico.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and New Mexico

ComparisonWashingtonNew Mexico
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanPueblo and 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 listingGreen Spaces, Proximity to Tech HubsHistoric Features, Scenic Views
  • The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Territorial architecture typical of New Mexico.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference green spaces and proximity to tech hubs, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like historic elements and scenic views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; New Mexico is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; New Mexico is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • New Mexico has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • New Mexico housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in New Mexico is 30.91% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonNew 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 DisastersEarthquakes, FloodsWildfires, Flooding
Air QualityGoodVaries
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F92Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 37Β°F52Β°F / 26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3814
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1628
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 84% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and floods in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flooding in New Mexico.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 17 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows in New Mexico are 11 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 24 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and New Mexico

ComparisonWashingtonNew Mexico
Avg. Household Income$91,306$59,726
Cost of Living Index104.196.45
State Income TaxUp to 9.9%1.7% - 5.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.93%0.78%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5%5.1% - 8.9%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, ConstructionEnergy, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Mexico tend to earn about 35% less than in Washington
  • The COLI in New Mexico will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • The state income tax in NM is 1.7% - 5.9% compared to up to 9.9% in WA
  • The affluence in New Mexico is moderate compared to high in Washington
  • The poverty level is moderate in New Mexico compared to low in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Washington and moderate in New Mexico

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. New Mexico

ComparisonWashingtonNew Mexico
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsModerate to liberal urban centersMixture of conservative rural areas and liberal urban centers
ReligionLess religious overallHigher Catholic presence
  • Washington tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
  • New Mexico's religious environment can be described as having a higher Catholic presence
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to New Mexico

ComparisonWashingtonNew Mexico
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Skyline Elementary (Sammamish)
Sunrise Elementary (Kent)
Double Eagle Elementary (Albuquerque)
Wood Gormley Elementary (Santa Fe)
Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary (Albuquerque)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Pacific Cascade Middle School (Issaquah)
Environmental & Adventure School (Kirkland)
Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics & Science (Albuquerque)
Sidney Gutierrez Middle School (Roswell)
Desert Ridge Middle School (Albuquerque)
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Tesla STEM High School (Redmond)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Albuquerque Institute for Mathematics & Science (Albuquerque)
Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
The ASK Academy (Rio Rancho)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Overlake School (Redmond)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Santa Fe Preparatory School (Santa Fe)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Bellevue Christian School (Bellevue)
Seattle Waldorf School (Seattle)
Menaul School (Albuquerque)
Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque)
Bosque School (Albuquerque)
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Issaquah School District
Mercer Island School District
Los Alamos Public Schools
Albuquerque Public Schools
Rio Rancho Public Schools

How Much Do Washington to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 1,519 miles from Washington to New Mexico will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,064300 ft3$6.88
1 Bedroom$3,073450 ft3$6.83
2 Bedrooms$5,084750 ft3$6.78
3 Bedrooms$7,4021100 ft3$6.73
4 Bedrooms$10,6861600 ft3$6.68
5+ Bedrooms$11,9321800 ft3$6.63

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