Best California to New Mexico Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to New Mexico and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,011 mile CA to NM move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 304 California to New Mexico moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to New Mexico. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to New Mexico Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | JP Moving | 9.38 | 9.63 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 6 | Two Men and a Truck | 8.58 | 8.03 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to New Mexico
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,011 miles from California to New Mexico will cost on average $2,641 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to NM move is roughly $6,346. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in New Mexico as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to New Mexico movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,776 | 300 ft³ | 5.92 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,641 | 450 ft³ | 5.87 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,364 | 750 ft³ | 5.82 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,346 | 1100 ft³ | 5.77 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,150 | 1600 ft³ | 5.72 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,204 | 1800 ft³ | 5.67 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from New Mexico to California guide.
Popular California to New Mexico Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best CA to NM Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
JP Moving
1503 Golf Course Rd SE # D
Rio Rancho, NM, 87124
About JP Moving
JP Moving is a licensed and insured moving company based in Rio Rancho, NM. It provides residential and commercial moving services...
Services
- Local Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3585744 / 1212778 Authorized For Property Carrier/Shipper |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
Two Men and a Truck
Mesilla, NM, 88046
About Two Men and a Truck
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a national moving company that has been serving customers for over 35 years. Based in...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2907535 / 978867 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 18 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 456,215 (2024) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to New Mexico
Moving between states is a significant decision that requires weighing the benefits and challenges. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to New Mexico. Through comparative charts between California and New Mexico, you'll gain insights into what changes to expect, helping to make your transition as smooth as possible.
California- High living costs
- Dense traffic
- State income tax
New Mexico- Lower living costs
- Less congestion
- Lower taxes
New Mexico- Smaller cities
- Less diversity
- No beaches
California- Vibrant cities
- Diverse culture
- Beach access
While transitioning from California's vibrant, bustling cities to New Mexico's quieter, more serene environment might seem daunting, many find the change refreshing. New Mexico offers a unique blend of cultural influence, evident in cities like Santa Fe, where you can explore historic sites like the Palace of the Governors. Albuquerque, known for its annual International Balloon Fiesta, hosts a variety of local eateries and breweries that cater to diverse tastes, such as La Cumbre Brewing Company. You may miss California's beaches, but New Mexico compensates with breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities in places like White Sands National Monument and Taos. The state’s lower cost of living allows for a quality life with more space and less fiscal stress, making it an appealing option for many.
California vs. New Mexico Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & New Mexico, delving into the vibrant food scenes that significantly contribute to the local culture and living experience in these states. This will help you better understand what culinary delights await as you consider your move.
| California | New Mexico | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | New Mexico Green Chile |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip steak | Carne Adovada |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Breakfast Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | Blue Corn Blueberry Pancakes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In California, the diverse culinary landscape spans from the innovative kitchens of the Bay Area to the health-focused cafes of Los Angeles, including the iconic In-N-Out Burger that’s a must-try. Meanwhile, New Mexico's cuisine is deeply rooted in both Native American and Hispanic influences, offering unique flavors like that of the New Mexico Green Chile which can be enjoyed in traditional dishes at local favorites such as Sadie's of New Mexico. Notably, both states offer an array of vegan and health-conscious options, but California, with its higher health and foodie scene scores, might offer a bit more variety, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. New Mexico Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate plays a crucial role in the decision-making process when moving. Understanding how California's and New Mexico's real estate markets compare can help guide your move. This comparison aims to shed light on the housing landscape, including cost, architecture, and lifestyle features between these two diverse states.
| Comparison | California | New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Spanish, Craftsman | Pueblo, Territorial, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to tech hubs, luxury amenities, ocean views | Scenic views, large plots, cultural richness |
When comparing the real estate landscape between California and New Mexico, the contrasts are stark. California's housing market is characterized by its high cost of living, with median home prices far exceeding those in New Mexico. This difference is also reflected in the median monthly rent. The typical architecture in California often includes Modern and Spanish styles, contrasting with New Mexico's Pueblo and Territorial influences. Despite a lower walkability score, New Mexico offers scenic views and cultural richness mentioned often in real estate listings, attracting those who appreciate a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, California's higher urban lifestyle score caters to those seeking proximity to tech hubs and luxury amenities, including ocean views.
California vs. New Mexico Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires an understanding of many variables, especially when considering weather conditions. This comparison between California and New Mexico's weather patterns is crucial for adapting to your new environment smoothly.
California
New Mexico
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
New Mexico
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
New Mexico
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
New Mexico
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Wildfires, Flash Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Considering a move between California and New Mexico, you'll find weather differences that could affect your lifestyle significantly. New Mexico offers more sunny days and a higher UV index, essential for planning your daily sun protection. Interestingly, despite higher average summer temperatures, New Mexico generally experiences lower humidity levels than California, contributing to more comfortable conditions despite the heat. Besides, those moving from California might experience a dramatic shift during the winter, with New Mexico experiencing considerably colder lows and more snowfall, which could affect everything from daily wardrobe choices to driving conditions.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to New Mexico
When deciding to move from one state to another, a key factor to consider is how your finances will be impacted. This comparison aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect when moving from California to New Mexico. Understanding the differences in aspects such as income, taxes, and overall cost of living between California and New Mexico can help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | California | New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $59,726 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 96.45 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 1.7 - 5.9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.77 | 0.78 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 7.82 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Energy, Aerospace, Film |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
In moving from California to New Mexico, you'll find a stark contrast in the cost of living, with New Mexico being significantly more affordable. This is reflected not only in the general cost of living index but also in the more favorable state income tax rates. However, this comes with a trade-off in average household incomes, which are notably lower in New Mexico. Understanding the economic landscape, including key industries, can also help you gauge job opportunities and financial growth prospects in New Mexico compared to the high-earning and affluent backdrop of California. Keep in mind the socioeconomic factors such as poverty and homelessness rates, which differ between the two states and can impact community services and quality of life.
California vs. New Mexico Political & Religious Comparison
When considering moving from California to New Mexico, it's valuable to know not just about the landscape and weather but also about the people you'll be living among. This quick comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between California & New Mexico , helping you understand the community vibe and cultural nuances that await.
| California | New Mexico | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal-leaning | Moderately liberal |
| Local Politics | Democratic stronghold in urban areas | Blend of Democrat and Republican, with a notable independent streak |
| Religion | More secular, diverse religions | Higher Catholic presence |
While both California and New Mexico lean liberal on the political spectrum, you'll find that New Mexico has a more pronounced bipartisan mix, especially at the local level, where independent and moderate views frequently emerge. This diverse political environment encourages engagement and collaboration across party lines. Religious composition also differs notably, with New Mexico having a stronger Catholic presence, reflected not only in worship but in community celebrations and local traditions. Embracing these differences can enrich your experience, allowing you to engage with a variety of perspectives and cultural backgrounds.
Education Guide When Moving from California to New Mexico
When considering a move from California to New Mexico, it’s critical to understand how educational opportunities compare. This guide will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and New Mexico , so you can make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.
| California | New Mexico |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) UCLA UC Berkeley StanfordUniversity of New Mexico New Mexico State University New Mexico Tech | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Orion Academy (Menlo Park) Windsor Academy (Los Angeles) Montecito Union (Santa Barbara)Double Eagle Elementary (Albuquerque) Wood Gormley Elementary (Santa Fe) Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary (Albuquerque) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley) Redwood Middle (Saratoga) Hunters Creek Middle (San Francisco)Desert Ridge Middle (Albuquerque) Sidney Gutierrez Middle (Roswell) Eisenhower Middle (Albuquerque) | |
Top 3 High Schools California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson) Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto) Whitney High (Cerritos)Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science La Cueva High (Albuquerque) Los Alamos High (Los Alamos) | |
Top 3 private high schools The Thacher School (Ojai) Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles) Webb Schools (Claremont)Albuquerque Academy Bosque School (Albuquerque) Santa Fe Prep (Santa Fe) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Harker School (San Jose) Polytechnic School (Pasadena) Crystal Springs Uplands School (Hillsborough)Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque) Rio Grande School (Santa Fe) Menaul School (Albuquerque) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Francisco Unified Palo Alto Unified Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School DistrictLos Alamos Public Schools Albuquerque Public Schools Rio Rancho Public Schools | |
California offers some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country, including top-tier universities like UCLA and Stanford, favorable for residents looking into higher education for their seniors. In the contrast, New Mexico's educational landscape shines through institutions such as the University of New Mexico and New Mexico Tech, offering strong local options for higher education. When it comes to K-12 education, both states boast highly rated public and private schools. California's Harker School and Polytechnic School are matched by New Mexico's Sandia Preparatory School and Rio Grande School in providing excellent K-12 education. Additionally, California's school districts such as Palo Alto Unified are known for their high standards, similar to the prestige of Los Alamos Public Schools in New Mexico. Each state offers unique educational advantages, tailored to meet various academic needs and preferences.
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