With its captivating history, breathtaking natural scenery, and fascinating cultural tapestry, it’s no wonder New Mexico has earned itself the nickname, “Land of Enchantment.” This Southwestern oasis has so much to offer — just ask any of the two million-plus residents who call New Mexico home.
But what’s it like actually living in New Mexico? Let’s dive into both the pros and cons you need to know about moving to New Mexico, so you can determine if a fresh start here in the Land of Enchantment makes sense for your new chapter.
Fast Facts About Living in New Mexico
Population: 2,139,350
Land mass: 121,365 square miles
Median age: 39 years old
Cost of living: 7% below national average
Median home value: $311,816
Average cost of rent: $1,411 per month
Median household income: $93,628 (family of four)
Did you know …?
New Mexico hosts the world’s largest hot air balloon festival: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place over the course of nine days each October. During that time, over 500 hot air balloons color the New Mexico skies, and tourists come from all across the globe to witness this spectacle.
New Mexico is a nature enthusiast’s paradise: Although many people picture New Mexico as a desert, this state is also home to five national forests — some of which are located at alpine level. The largest of these wilderness areas, Gila National Forest, covers 3.3 million acres of lush woods, mountains, and rangelands, which makes it a premier destination for all kinds of outdoor recreation.
7 Considerations to Know About Living in New Mexico (Before Moving to New Mexico)
There are many factors to consider when moving out of state — including the job and housing market, climate, and attractions and entertainment.
Relocating is a major decision, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This guide will help you unpack the ins and outs of living in New Mexico.
1. The cost of living in New Mexico is cheaper than other U.S. states
If you want to curb some expenses, moving to New Mexico can be a fantastic idea. Not only is the cost of living in New Mexico 7% below the national average, it’s also cheaper than other desirable states out West. Here’s how the cost of living in Albuquerque (New Mexico’s largest city) compares to the largest cities in Texas, Arizona, and California:
The cost of living in Albuquerque is about 3% lower than Houston, Texas.
The cost of living in Albuquerque is about 12% lower than Phoenix, Arizona.
The cost of living in Albuquerque is 23% lower than Los Angeles, California.
With that said, healthcare in New Mexico tends to be slightly more expensive than some of its neighboring states, including Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, and Utah.
2. The best places to live in New Mexico boast many selling points
Before moving to New Mexico, it stands to reason you’ll want to choose a city that fits your ideal lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re on the hunt for a small town enclave, an urban center, or a culturally diverse mecca, here are the three best places to live in New Mexico.
Los Alamos: Best for raising a family
What is the safest city to live in New Mexico? That distinction belongs to Los Alamos, a scenic community nestled on the Pajarito Plateau between the Jamez Mountains and Rio Grande. Los Alamos boasts a low crime rate, top-rated schools, friendly small town vibes, and high-altitude recreational activities, making it a perfect choice for families. It’s also a hub for technology and science professionals, thanks to the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Albuquerque: Best for urban amenities
As the largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque offers a versatile fusion of urban convenience and nature. Albuquerque ranks among the most affordable metro areas in the U.S., and its employment forecast looks strong at about 425,000 jobs as of summer 2025. This, combined with unique entertainment (hot air balloon festival, anyone?) and easy access to the Sandia Mountains, position Albuquerque as a sought-after destination.
Santa Fe: Best for cultural vibrancy
New Mexico’s capital city, Santa Fe, is known for its multicultural heritage dating back four centuries. Santa Fe’s vibrant Indigenous, Mexican, and Spanish influences can be seen in the rustic adobe-style architecture, authentic Southwestern cuisine, and eclectic creative energy that permeates this city. Think: a dynamic live music scene, 250-plus art galleries, James Beard nominated eateries, local craft breweries, and quirky coffee shops.
3. You can access a wide range of fun activities in New Mexico
We’ve established that New Mexico is a playground for nature lovers, but what about entertainment options? Whether you’re looking for a family-oriented attraction the kids will enjoy or a romantic outing, here are just a few of the most fun activities in New Mexico.
Fun Activities in New Mexico for Adults
Soak in the mineral-rich Riverbend Hot Springs on the banks of the Rio Grande.
Enjoy the numerous wineries, distilleries, and tasting rooms in Santa Fe.
Take a hot air balloon ride above Albuquerque’s sweeping mountains and valleys.
Fun Activities in New Mexico for Kids
Discover ABQ BioPark, which includes a zoo, aquarium, beach, and botanical garden.
Soar to new heights on Sandia Peak Tramway, one of the world’s longest aerial trams.
Explore ancient sea ledges, limestone caves, and unique rock formations at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Fun Activities in New Mexico for Couple
Take a scenic drive along the Turquoise Trail, and stop in the quaint, colorful towns to peruse their galleries, museums, and restaurants.
Take a romantic getaway in Taos, one of the nation’s oldest art colonies known for its musical, culinary, spiritual, and creative influences.
Stargaze at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a registered international Dark Sky Park with some of the clearest views in the U.S.
4. The climate in New Mexico can vary with the potential for weather extremes
The climate in New Mexico is as diverse as its culture. We’re talking hot desert terrain in the south, high-elevation alpine forests up north, and more temperate, mild weather in the center.
On average, New Mexico has 278 days of sunshine, 15 inches of rainfall, and 24 inches of snow each year. Because the climate varies so much, you can experience all four seasons here — but you’ll also encounter severe thunderstorms, tornados, flash floods, intense heat, and persistent drought conditions. So brace yourself for those weather extremes.
5. The New Mexico job market presents a challenge in some industries
According to recent projections, New Mexico has an unemployment rate of 4.1% — lower than the national average of 4.3%. But due to the cheap cost of living in New Mexico, professionals tend to earn less here than they would in more expensive states. This is particularly true in rural areas where the main industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production, all of which have taken a hit in this current economy.
However, the more urban cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe offer a more favorable job outlook in sectors like tourism, hospitality, digital and visual media, aerospace, bioscience, and technology.
6. Keep in mind that overall crime rates in New Mexico tend to be high
There’s no denying that New Mexico has some elevated crime rates. The violent crime rate here is 7.49 per 1,000 residents (versus the national median of four) and the property crime rate is 28.87 (versus the national median of 19).
To put this into context, your chances of dealing with a violent crime are one in 133, your chances of dealing with a property crime are one in 35. But while those statistics can sound alarming, it’s also important to remember that most crimes occur in concentrated areas, so simply exercising normal precautions can go a long way.
7. New Mexico’s housing market is affordable—depending on where you live
The average cost of a home in New Mexico is around $311,816 — that’s a 1.4% increase from 2024, but still lower than the national average of $363,932.
This makes purchasing a house in New Mexico relatively feasible, compared to other Western states like California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, or Nevada. But it’s also worth mentioning: prices will fluctuate based on which part of New Mexico you select. For example, homes in Albuquerque cost an average of $338,971, whereas homes in Santa Fe average $580,317 and $582,688 in Los Alamos.
| Ready to make the move to New Mexico? Get a fast, free quote from Colonial. |
Pros and Cons of Living in New Mexico
So, is New Mexico a good place to live? It depends on what you prioritize in a home.
As you can see, moving to New Mexico comes with attractive benefits and potential drawbacks. This is true of any destination, but it helps to weigh both sides before you make a final decision. On that note, here are the main pros and cons of living in Mexico.
Benefits of Living in New Mexico | Bad Parts About Living in New Mexico |
|
|
Moving Service Options for Moving to New Mexico
When planning an interstate relocation to New Mexico, you have three main options available. Here’s a rundown of each one to help decide which is best for your situation:
DIY with a Moving Truck
With a DIY move, you rent the truck then handle each step of the moving process yourself. This includes packing the boxes, loading the truck, driving it to your new home, then unloading all your items. DIY moving is best suited for those on a strict budget, but be prepared to work — this moving method requires more time and manual labor than any other option.
Moving with a Container
A moving container is a portable storage unit, which a provider y delivers to your home before the move. Once it arrives, you pack your items, then load them in the container at your own pace. When the container is loaded and ready, the rental company will pick it up and transport it to your new home.
This option combines the scheduling flexibility of a DIY move and the convenience of a professional moving service because the driving is included, but you’ll be responsible for the packing and loading.
Hiring Full-Service Movers
When you hire full-service movers, a professional team tackles all the details for you — from packing and loading to transportation and unloading.
A full-service moving company has all the supplies, equipment, and expertise to make your entire transition as convenient and hassle-free as possible. Some full-service movers can also handle specialty or valuable items like billiards tables, pianos, and artwork.
This option requires the least amount of physical effort, but it can be more costly than a DIY or container relocation.
Need help staying organized? Download our moving checklist to make sure you’ve got all the details covered. |
How Much Does Moving to New Mexico Cost?
The cost of moving to New Mexico depends on several different factors — for instance, when you move, where you move from, and the type of moving service you choose. But to give you a basic idea of what to budget for, here’s how much some of the most common New Mexico moving routes will set you back. Note: these numbers are based on hiring a full-service interstate moving company for a two-bedroom home.
Moving to New Mexico from Texas
A transition from the Lone Star State to the Land of Enchantment makes sense if you want a less urban, more nature-oriented lifestyle. Think: pristine national forests and phenomenal outdoor recreation just minutes from your doorstep.
Moving Route | Average Full Service Moving Cost |
Dallas to Albuquerque | $4,000–$5,000 |
Houston to Las Cruces | $4,000–$5,000 |
Moving to New Mexico from California
It’s no secret the Golden State is expensive, so if you’re looking for a lower cost of living than California but still want easy access to nature, don’t sleep on New Mexico. You could purchase a house or rent an apartment here for a fraction of what you’re used to forking over in California.
Moving Route | Average Full Service Moving Cost |
Los Angeles to Rio Rancho | $4,500–$5,500 |
San Francisco to Santa Fe | $4,500–$5,500 |
Plan Your Move to New Mexico with Colonial Van Lines
If you love the thought of an affordable cost of living and spectacular nature views—and you’re not put off by job market challenges or severe weather risks—then moving to New Mexico could be just the leap for you.
Colonial Van Lines has the long-distance moving services and expertise to make this plan a reality. With more than 50 years of experience and over 12,000 moves each year, we’ll make your transition to New Mexico as seamless as possible. Get started on your new chapter with a free moving quote from our team today.