Moving from Austin, TX to Albuquerque, NM
Relocating 690 mi from Austin to Albuquerque is a 12h 32m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
690 mi Β· 12h 32m by car Β· TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 40, US 183 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Lubbock, Rio Rancho |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Albuquerque | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 98.066 vs 95.546 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
Expect roughly 2.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $508,530 to $344,457 moving to Albuquerque.
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Albuquerque +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Austin | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | β |
Expect 13.3Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 562,488 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $65,604 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 38.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.6% β $91,461 β $65,604 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Austin to Albuquerque?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 690 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Albuquerque more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Albuquerque is 2.6% lower than Austin (95.546 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Austin vs Albuquerque?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $91,461 in Austin β a 28.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Albuquerque, NM from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 690 mi and the route typically takes 12h 32m via US 84 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Albuquerque compared to Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $344,457 in Albuquerque vs $508,530 in Austin β a 32.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Albuquerque compare to Austin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA vs $50,070 in the Austin MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX Β· Albuquerque, NM.