Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Virginia Beach to Albuquerque
What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Albuquerque
Moving from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach than in Albuquerque, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Virginia Beach compares to Albuquerque so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Virginia Beach | Albuquerque | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $402,391 | $329,595 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,810 | $61,503 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $2,111 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $5,353 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.63% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.9% |
- Rent prices in Albuquerque are 36% lower than in Virginia Beach, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Albuquerque.
Home prices in Albuquerque are 18.1% lower than in Virginia Beach. - Income in Albuquerque is 24.8% lower than in Virginia Beach, 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 53.4% lower than in Virginia Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Albuquerque is 9.4% lower than in Virginia Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Albuquerque is 54.17% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Albuquerque, since the cityโs sales taxes in Albuquerque are 27.17% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- State income taxes in Albuquerque are 2.61% higher than in Virginia Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,397.09 in Albuquerque to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Albuquerque
| Albuquerque | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 564,559 | 457,672 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 61 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 71.72 | 42.0 |
| Safety Index | 28.28 | 58.0 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Albuquerque's population is about 23% greater than Virginia Beach.
- Albuquerque's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Virginia Beach's lower score of 3.
- Albuquerque is more walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 61 out of 100, Albuquerque is more bike-friendly than Virginia Beach, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Albuquerque's crime rate is higher than Virginia Beach with a score of 71.72 compared to Virginia Beach's 42.0. This means that Albuquerque neighborhoods are safer than 71.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
- Albuquerque is considered to be less safe than Virginia Beach with a score of 28.28 vs Virginia Beach's 58.0.
- Air quality in Albuquerque is good, and in Virginia Beach it's good.
Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in New Mexico, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While New Mexico doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Albuquerque without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Albuquerque
With your sights set on "Burque", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Albuquerque.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Nob HIll
- Balloon Fiesta
- Old Town
- Eastside
- Westside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Academy Hills Park
- Glenwood Hills
- Mirabella
- Ventana Ranch
- Vista Del Mundo
Things to do in Albuquerque
After getting comfortable in your new New Mexico home, itโs time to see what Albuquerque is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Albuquerque include museums and art centers like 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 cityโs Elena Gallegos Park, Volcano Park, Los Poblanos Open Space, and Tiguex Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Virginia Beach to Albuquerque?
The best time to move from Virginia Beach to Albuquerque is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Virginia Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Virginia Beach to Albuquerque?
Because most people are moving from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to Albuquerque take?
The 1,939-mile move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Albuquerque, NM, takes five to 16 days. Some Virginia Beach movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Albuquerque.
