Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Garland, TX
The drive from Albuquerque, NM to Garland, TX runs 654 mi β about 11h 32m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
654 mi Β· 11h 32m by car Β· NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 287, US 82 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho, Amarillo, Denton, Lewisville, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Albuquerque | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 95.546 in Albuquerque to 103.09 in Garland, a 7.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Garland ZHVI at $286,805 is 7.9% below Albuquerque at $344,457.
YoY change: Albuquerque +0.9%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Albuquerque | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.9" |
Climate warms by 9.1Β°F on the annual average β 56.7Β°F β 65.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Albuquerque | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 562,488 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $65,604 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 38.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3.04 |
Income steps up 7.9%: $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $74,717 in Garland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Garland average 94Β°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 does household income compare in Albuquerque vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $65,604 in Albuquerque β a 13.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Albuquerque?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $344,457 in Albuquerque β a 16.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Albuquerque?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Garland more expensive than Albuquerque?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 7.9% higher than Albuquerque (103.09 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 Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 654 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Garland, TX from Albuquerque, NM?
The driving distance is 654 mi and the route typically takes 11h 32m via I 40 and US 287. 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· Garland, TX.