Moving from Abilene, TX to Albuquerque, NM
Relocating between Abilene, TX and Albuquerque, NM is a 484 mi drive β 8h 41m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
484 mi Β· 8h 41m by car Β· NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 40, US 60 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho, Lubbock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Albuquerque | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Albuquerque runs about 5.7% more expensive overall than Abilene β RPP 90.364 β 95.546.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $210,016 in Abilene to $344,457 in Albuquerque, a 5.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Albuquerque +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | β |
Expect 9.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 562,488 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $65,604 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 38.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.32 |
Household income lines up β $62,720 vs $65,604 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Albuquerque MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,500 | $39,300 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 36,930 | $28,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 33,230 | $33,280 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,010 | $38,960 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 26,950 | $81,890 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and New Mexico
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Mexico's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Albuquerque average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Mexico after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Albuquerque more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Albuquerque is 5.7% higher than Abilene (95.546 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Albuquerque, NM from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 484 mi and the route typically takes 8h 41m via US 84 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Albuquerque?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 484 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Albuquerque?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 4.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Albuquerque compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Albuquerque compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $344,457 in Albuquerque vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 64.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Albuquerque, NM.