Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Abilene, TX
Relocating between Albuquerque, NM and Abilene, TX 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
| Albuquerque | Abilene | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 90.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 81.162 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 73.791 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.4% cheaper overall in Abilene than Albuquerque on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.4% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Albuquerque +0.9%, Abilene +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Albuquerque | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 25.2" |
Expect 9.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Abilene gets around 3.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US, ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Albuquerque | Abilene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 562,488 | 127,130 |
| Median household income | $65,604 | $62,720 |
| Median age | 38.7 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.72 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Abilene MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 10,850 | $37,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,210 | $26,270 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 6,750 | $29,820 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 5,560 | $73,610 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 5,460 | $35,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Mexico and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Abilene average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Abilene compared to Albuquerque?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,016 in Abilene vs $344,457 in Albuquerque β a 39.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Albuquerque vs Abilene?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,720 in Abilene vs $65,604 in Albuquerque β a 4.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Abilene compare to Albuquerque?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,680 in the Abilene MSA vs $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA, on total employment of 72,780 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Abilene more expensive than Albuquerque?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Abilene is 5.4% lower than Albuquerque (90.364 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Albuquerque to Abilene?
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 far is Abilene, TX from Albuquerque, NM?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Albuquerque.
City profiles: Albuquerque, NM Β· Abilene, TX.