Washington to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to New Mexico

ConsWashington

• Gray, rainy winters
• High housing costs
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Crowded urban cores
• Seasonal affective gloom
• Mold and dampness
• Ferry commute hassles
• Earthquake risk zone
• Expensive car tabs
• Overcast summer days
• Costly urban living
• Crowded hiking trails

ProsNew Mexico

• 300+ sunny days
• Lower home prices
• Lighter traffic flows
• Lower population density
• Bright, dry climate
• Low humidity air
• No ferry dependence
• Lower quake risk
• Lower vehicle fees
• Clear summer skies
• Lower cost of living
• Less crowded trails

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New Mexico

• State income tax
• Fewer high-paying jobs
• Hotter summer highs
• Arid, sparse greenery
• Landlocked, no coast
• Limited public transit
• Water scarcity, drought
• Lower average wages
• No maritime lifestyle
• Smaller metro options
• Colder high desert nights
• Fewer nonstop flights

Washington

• No state income tax
• Major tech employers
• Mild summer temperatures
• Lush evergreen forests
• Ocean and islands
• Extensive public transit
• Abundant water sources
• High average wages
• Ferries and waterways
• Big-city amenities
• Mild coastal winters
• More nonstop flights

Pros of moving from Washington to New Mexico

• Say goodbye to gray, rainy winters and hello to 300+ sunny days
• Look forward to moving away from high housing costs and moving to New Mexico with lower home prices
• Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Washington for lighter traffic flows in New Mexico
• Get ready for lower population density in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Washington to New Mexico

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from no state income tax in Washington to live with a state income tax in New Mexico
• You'll lose out on the pro of major tech employers and have to settle for the con of fewer high-paying jobs
• Time to bid farewell to mild summer temperatures and get used to hotter summer highs in New Mexico
• Swap lush evergreen forests for arid sparse greenery

Washington vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.