Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Albuquerquetoggle

The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Philadelphia to Albuquerque can be as low as $1,527 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 11,862.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,415 to $3,590. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Albuquerque

Moving from Philadelphia to Albuquerque means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Philadelphia than in Albuquerque, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Philadelphia compares to Albuquerque so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Philadelphia Albuquerque
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,250
Average home value $216,914 $329,595
Average income (per capita) $70,746 $61,503
Cost of living (single person) $2,541 $2,111
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,190 $5,353
Unemployment rate 10.6% 7.4%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.63%
State income tax 3.07% 5.9%
  • Rent prices in Albuquerque are 26% lower than in Philadelphia, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Albuquerque are 51.9% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Income in Albuquerque is 13.1% lower than in Philadelphia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Albuquerque include SunBridge Healthcare, Khi, and SUMCO.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Albuquerque is 16.9% lower than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Albuquerque is 13.5% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Albuquerque is 30.19% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Albuquerque, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Albuquerque are 4.63% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • State income taxes in Albuquerque are 92.18% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,492.33 in Albuquerque to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Albuquerque

Albuquerque Philadelphia
Population 564,559 1,603,797
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 9
Walkability score 43 75
Bike friendliness score 61 67
Crime Index 71.72 66.09
Safety Index 28.28 33.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Albuquerque's population is about 65% less than Philadelphia.
  • Albuquerque's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
  • Albuquerque is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
  • Albuquerque has a bike-friendliness score 61 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
  • Albuquerque's crime rate is higher than Philadelphia with a score of 71.72 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Albuquerque neighborhoods are safer than 71.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
  • Albuquerque is considered to be less safe than Philadelphia with a score of 28.28 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
  • Air quality in Albuquerque is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Albuquerque move

  • Weather: Albuquerque's climate is usually sunny and dry. Winter typically consists of cool days and cold nights, except following passage of the strongest cold fronts and arctic airmasses when daytime temperatures remain colder than average; overnight temperatures tend to fall below freezing between about 10 pm and 8 am in the city.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Mexico moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in New Mexico, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toAlbuquerque Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Albuquerque

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Burque" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Old Town
  • Eastside
  • Uptown
  • Westside

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Altura
  • Bear Canyon
  • Glenwood Hills
  • Mirabella
  • Ventana Ranch

Things to do in Albuquerque

Now that you've made the move to New Mexico, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Albuquerque. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Albuquerque, such as the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Explora Science Center and Children's Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Elena Gallegos Park, Volcano Park, Los Poblanos Open Space, and Tiguex Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A West), New Mexico United (USL Championship), Duke City Gladiators (Indoor Football League), or New Mexico Lobos (NCAA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Albuquerque?

The best time to move from Philadelphia to Albuquerque is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Albuquerque?

Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Albuquerque in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Philadelphia to Albuquerque take?

The 1,925-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Albuquerque, NM, takes five to 16 days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albuquerque.

Helpful moving resources