($1,605) Cost of Moving From New Mexico to California

Quick answer: When you’re moving from New Mexico to California, you’ll typically spend between $841 and $7,683. Most moves take around two–eight days. Keep in mind that your final cost can vary based on your home’s size, when you move, and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself.

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  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to New Mexico guide.

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The best New Mexico to California full-service movers

Planning a move from New Mexico to California? With endless movers to choose from, finding the right company can be stressful. We've made it easier by researching reviews, comparing pricing, and exploring services, so you can easily find the best interstate moving companies for your big move.

Start your move from New Mexico to California with these top-rated long-distance movers in New Mexico.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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The best local moving companies in New Mexico

With so many movers to choose from, finding the right one can be a challenge. To help, we’ve rounded up the best local movers in New Mexico. Each company on our list is known for transparent pricing, solid customer reviews, and outstanding service.

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. K & J'z Moving Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  4. Albuquerque NM Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  5. Johnson Storage & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 8

514 Carmony Road Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87107 US

Two Men and a Truck has been offering reliable local residential moving services in and around Albuquerque, NM since 2018. Unlike some of their competitors, they also provide packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. This company stands out with its impressive Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and a strong 4.5-star average from nearly 1,000 Google reviews. While their Yelp reviews are less favorable, averaging 2.3 stars, their overall reputation suggests they are a trustworthy and capable choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (505) 672-5305

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Kirk Moving Company, LLC
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All My Sons Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 902281

Years in Business: 25

3341 Columbia Drive Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87107 US

All My Sons Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Albuquerque, NM since 1999. While they have an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, consumer reviews on Yelp show an average rating of 1.3 from 31 reviews. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and crating, as well as the specialized ability to move pianos, antiques, and safes. The company also accepts credit cards but requires a deposit upfront.

Get a Quote (505) 509-5385

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 902281
  • State license #: 391383

Alternative Business Names

  • Quick N Easy Moving of Albuquerque, LLC
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K & J'z Moving Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 1674023

Years in Business: 27

11700 Cochiti Road Southeast, Albuquerque, NM 87123 US

K & J'z Moving Inc, a stalwart in the Albuquerque, NM moving industry since 1998, specializes in local residential moves. Distinguished by their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer comprehensive services including office moves, packing, unpacking, and labor-only options. Consumer reviews reflect a generally positive reputation, with an average rating of 4.3 on Google. Unlike many nearby competitors, K & J'z Moving Inc does not require a deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.

Get a Quote (505) 249-7010

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • K&J'z, Inc.
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Albuquerque NM Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

Years in Business: 57

5001 Paseo Del Norte Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87113 US

Albuquerque NM Movers has been serving the local community since 1969, offering comprehensive residential moving services in and around Albuquerque, NM. While they excel in providing packing and unpacking services without requiring a deposit, their customer reviews tell a different story, averaging 1.7 stars on Yelp and 2.6 on Google. Despite these mixed reviews, Albuquerque NM Movers holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, setting them apart from many nearby competitors.

Get a Quote (505) 206-5526

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Allied Van Lines
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Johnson Storage & Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 286130

Years in Business: 123

02 Paseo De River St, Santa Fe, NM 887507

Johnson Storage & Moving has been serving Santa Fe, NM, with reliable local residential moving services since 1901. What sets them apart from other nearby companies is their extensive experience and versatile service offerings including packing, unpacking, and military moving services. While their Yelp reviews reflect a mixed sentiment with an average rating of 2.2, they shine on Google My Business with a 4.4 average rating and boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking comprehensive, reputable local moving solutions, Johnson Storage & Moving offers a legacy of trust and excellence.

Get a Quote (505) 473-2911

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Johnson Storage & Moving co. (900) L.L.C.
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The best New Mexico to California moving container companies

Moving containers help you save money without having to do all the heavy lifting. You load and unload your stuff, while the company handles all the driving, picking up your container in New Mexico and dropping it off at your new home in California.

Check out our top picks for the best moving container companies:

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best New Mexico to California moving truck rentals

If you're looking to cut costs on your move from New Mexico to California, consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind that you'll be handling all the lifting, loading, and driving on your own.

Take a look at our top choices for rental trucks:

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best New Mexico to California labor-only movers

If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that's the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.

For a smooth move from New Mexico to California, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 8
  • Yelp: 2.3 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 27
  • Yelp: 3.4 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.58 / 5
  • Years in Business: 123
  • Yelp: 2.3 / 5
  • BBB: A+

How we chose the best moving companies for your NM to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 8 New Mexico movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from New Mexico to California?

Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from New Mexico to California. We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,605 - $6,663 $992 - $2,646 $828 - $1,494
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,201 - $7,683 $1,817 - $3,874 $841 - $1,904
4+ bedrooms $5,797 - $11,127 $2,626 - $4,952 $1,167 - $2,250

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,010 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from New Mexico to California

Planning a move from New Mexico to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,605 and $6,663. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,201 and $7,683 for the same journey (NM to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,797 to $11,127.

Cost of moving containers from New Mexico to California

If you're moving from New Mexico to California, expect to pay between $992 and $2,646 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,817 up to $3,874. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,626 and $4,952. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from New Mexico.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New Mexico to California

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $828 to $1,494. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $841 to $1,904, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from New Mexico to California costs around $1,167 to $2,250.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from NM to CA

Several factors can influence your moving costs from New Mexico to California. Here’s what could impact your final bill:

  • Move size: Larger homes are pricier to move than smaller spaces like studios.
  • Time of year: Prices rise during summer, which is peak moving season in New Mexico.
  • DIY vs. professional movers: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you time and hassle.

What to know before moving from NM to CA

When moving from New Mexico to California, be sure to check out how your new state stacks up against your current one.

Cost of living: New Mexico vs. California

Before you move, take a moment to compare the cost of living in New Mexico and California. This simple side-by-side comparison highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment so you can see exactly how your budget may change. See how both states measure up on the essentials that impact your finances:

New Mexico California
Average rent cost $966 $1,856
Average home cost $303,910 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $58,722 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 94 134
Unemployment rate 2.9% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 7.61% 8.68%
State Income Tax 5.9% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 92% more expensive in California than in New Mexico; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 154% higher in California than in New Mexico.
  • Exciting news here, the average income is about 57% higher in California than in New Mexico, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
  • The cost of living is 43% higher in California than in New Mexico. If you're making the move to California with a higher cost of living, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your finances can support the transition.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than New Mexico by about 86%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring processes.
  • Sales taxes are 14% higher in California than in New Mexico. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
  • Income taxes are 125% higher in California than in New Mexico. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

How life is different in California vs. New Mexico

Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a place to live, it’s about how your everyday life will feel. Elements like the climate, safety, local culture, and even the size of the community you call home will all play a role in your overall experience. To help you get a sense of what to expect, here’s a quick comparison of life in California versus New Mexico across some essential lifestyle factors:

California New Mexico
Population 39,029,342 2,113,344
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Democratic 51.9-45.9
Summer high 87ºF 88ºF
Winter low 59ºF 20ºF
Annual rain 22" 15"
Annual snow 7" 24"
Crime index 28.43 38.81
  • The population of California is approximately 1,747% greater than the population of New Mexico. With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and New Mexico voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in New Mexico, it’s 88ºF. When summer temperatures are comparable, you can expect a smooth seasonal transition, but still consider the humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs to get a full picture of what summer will really feel like in your new state.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF while New Mexico gets down to 20ºF. A move to California with milder winters offers greater day-to-day convenience, lower costs, and more freedom to explore outdoors. It’s a great fit for those who prefer sun over snow and fewer weather-related interruptions.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus only 15 inches of rainfall in New Mexico. More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
  • In California, it only snows about 7 inches annually while New Mexico gets 24 inches of snow. Moving to California, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles, making it a great fit for those seeking a milder winter climate.
  • California has a lower crime rate than New Mexico with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 38.81. A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it's not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.

Comparing the pros of New Mexico vs. California

There’s something exciting about a fresh start. Here’s a quick look at how life in California stacks up against New Mexico.

Pros of living in New Mexico Pros of living in California
Beautiful landscapes Ample economic opportunity
Rich culture Pleasant weather
Delicious food and wine Abundant recreational options
Low cost of living High quality of life
Abundant outdoor activities Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in New Mexico vs. California

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 New Mexico for California.

Cons of living in New Mexico Cons of living in California
Bad roads High cost of living
Lackluster economy Heavy tax burdens
Scarce job opportunity Natural disasters
Slow life Terrible traffic
High crime rate Strange laws

Other things to consider for your New Mexico to California move

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
  • State regulator: Easily verify a California moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
  • Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
  • Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to California right on schedule. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Things to do in California

Get excited to explore California. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:

Museums in California

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa

Parks in California

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park

Sports Teams in California

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)

Universities in California

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego

FAQs

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

Hiring a full-service New Mexico 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 New Mexico to California? 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 New Mexico to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from New Mexico to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or California? toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in New Mexico than in California. Housing is much more affordable in New Mexico, with average rent about 48% less and home prices 61% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in New Mexico, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

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

You should make approximately $ 74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $ 3,208 per month for an individual and $ 8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources