Moving from Albuquerque, NM to Savannah, GA

It is 1636 mi and 28h 49m from Albuquerque to Savannah β€” a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.

1636 mi Β· 28h 49m by car Β· NM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ MS β†’ AL β†’ GA

COL -0.4% Home values -5.2% Ξ” +10.8Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1636 mi
Drive time
28h 49m
States
8
Fuel (25 mpg)
65 gal
Route throughNM β†’ TX β†’ OK β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ MS β†’ AL β†’ GA
Primary highwaysI 40, US 78, I 16
Major cities en routeRio Rancho, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Norman, Little Rock

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

AlbuquerqueSavannahU.S. avg
All items (RPP)95.54695.206100.0
Rents77.85288.603100.0
Goods96.14496.269100.0
Services89.15386.012100.0

Overall price level is comparable β€” 95.546 vs 95.206 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Albuquerque β€” typical home
$344,457
Savannah β€” typical home
$326,509
Albuquerque β€” typical rent
$1,459/mo
Savannah β€” typical rent
$1,745/mo

Expect around 0.4% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Albuquerque +0.9%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsAlbuquerqueSavannah
Annual avg temperature57Β°F68Β°F
January avg low21Β°F40Β°F
July avg high95Β°F92Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitationβ€”48.1"

Expect 10.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Savannah gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals β€” winter gear can largely stay in storage.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023AlbuquerqueSavannah
Population562,488147,546
Median household income$65,604$56,782
Median age38.733.7
Bachelor's degree or higher20.9%20.6%
Avg household size2.322.52

ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.4% lower in Savannah than Albuquerque.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Albuquerque MSA β€” median wage
$44,780
Savannah MSA β€” median wage
$43,490
Albuquerque MSA β€” employment
396,030
Savannah MSA β€” employment
188,970

Top occupations in Savannah MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 24,950 $41,600
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 21,870 $37,820
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 21,400 $28,500
Sales and Related Occupations 18,460 $31,030
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 12,220 $76,810

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between New Mexico and Georgia

New Mexico income tax
5.9% top marginal
Georgia income tax
5.39% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 20–30% 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.
  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 Savannah average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
  • 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 Georgia after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does the job market in Savannah compare to Albuquerque?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,490 in the Savannah MSA vs $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA, on total employment of 188,970 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

When is the best time to move from Albuquerque to Savannah?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1636 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 Albuquerque vs Savannah?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,782 in Savannah vs $65,604 in Albuquerque β€” a 13.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Savannah, GA from Albuquerque, NM?

The driving distance is 1636 mi and the route typically takes 28h 49m via I 40 and US 78. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Savannah compared to Albuquerque?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $326,509 in Savannah vs $344,457 in Albuquerque β€” a 5.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Savannah more expensive than Albuquerque?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 0.4% lower than Albuquerque (95.206 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Albuquerque.

City profiles: Albuquerque, NM Β· Savannah, GA.

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