Factors affecting the cost of moving from NC to NMtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from North Carolina to New Mexico will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in North Carolina is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from NC to NM

If you’re moving to New Mexico from North Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: North Carolina vs. New Mexico

North Carolina New Mexico
Average rent cost $1,093 $966
Average home cost $328,715 $303,910
Average income (per capita) $66,186 $58,722
Cost of Living Index 96 94
Unemployment rate 3.7% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.98% 7.61%
State Income Tax 4.5% 5.9%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 12% less expensive in New Mexico than in North Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 8% lower in New Mexico than in North Carolina.
  • The average income is about 11% lower in New Mexico than in North Carolina.
  • Cost of living is 2% lower in New Mexico than in North Carolina.
  • New Mexico has a lower unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 22%.
  • Sales taxes are 9% higher in New Mexico than in North Carolina.
  • Income taxes are 31% higher in New Mexico than in North Carolina.

How life is different in New Mexico vs. North Carolina

New Mexico North Carolina
Population 2,113,344 10,835,491
Political leaning Democratic 51.9-45.9 Republican 51-49
Summer high 88ºF 88ºF
Winter low 20ºF 29ºF
Annual rain 15" 48"
Annual snow 24" 4"
Crime index 38.81 24.69
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of New Mexico is approximately 80% lower than the population of North Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, New Mexico voted Democratic and North Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in New Mexico is 88ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, New Mexico reaches the temperature of 20ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in New Mexico versus 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
  • In New Mexico, it snows about 24 inches annually versus 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
  • New Mexico has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 38.81 vs. 24.69.

Comparing the pros of North Carolina vs. New Mexico

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in New Mexico compared to North Carolina.

Pros of living in North Carolina Pros of living in New Mexico
Great communities Beautiful landscapes
Low cost of living Rich culture
Ample economic opportunity Delicious food and wine
High quality of life Low cost of living
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant outdoor activities

Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. New Mexico

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving North Carolina for New Mexico.

Cons of living in North Carolina Cons of living in New Mexico
Hurricanes Bad roads
Bland weather Lackluster economy
High crime rate Scarce job opportunity
High tax burden Slow life
Poor education High crime rate

Other things to consider for your North Carolina to New Mexico movetoggle

  • Weather: New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Mexico moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: New Mexico does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to New Mexico. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection, the cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in New Mexicotoggle

While you’re in New Mexico, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • 1: White Sands National Park
  • 2: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
  • 3: Bandelier National Monument
  • 4: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
  • 5: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  • 6: Chaco Culture National Historical Park
  • 7: New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
  • 8: Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway
  • 9: Loretto Chapel
  • 10: Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway
  • 11: Petroglyph National Monument
  • 12: Taos Pueblo
  • 13: Santa Rosa Blue Hole
  • 14: Pecos National Historical Park
  • 15: Very Large Array
  • 16: Billy the Kid Museum
  • 17: Wheeler Peak Wilderness
  • 18: International UFO Museum and Research Center
  • 19: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
  • 20: Four Corners Monument
  • 21: Cliff’s Amusement Park
  • 22: Ghost Ranch
  • 23: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
  • 24: Meow Wolf
  • 25: Wildlife West Nature Park
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from North Carolina to New Mexico?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Carolina moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from North Carolina to New Mexico?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from North Carolina to New Mexico separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from North Carolina to New Mexico?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from North Carolina to New Mexico are the amazing upsides of living in New Mexico such as beautiful landscapes and rich culture.

Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or New Mexico?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in New Mexico than in North Carolina. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in New Mexico, with average rent about 12% less and home prices 7.5% lower than in North Carolina. However, taxes are lower in North Carolina, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by New Mexico residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in New Mexico?toggle

You should make approximately $58,340 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in New Mexico. The cost of living in New Mexico is approximately $2,435 per month for an individual and $5,557 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in New Mexico you live For example, larger cities like Albuquerque and Las Cruces will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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