Moving from Houston, TX to Las Cruces, NM
Relocating 787 mi from Houston to Las Cruces is a 13h 13m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
787 mi · 13h 13m by car · TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 87, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Sugar Land, San Antonio |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Houston | Las Cruces | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 90.212 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 77.918 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 62.982 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.5% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Las Cruces at 90.212 vs Houston at 98.629.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.5% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Houston -2.9%, Las Cruces -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Houston | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,300,419 | 112,612 |
| Median household income | $62,894 | $55,176 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 32.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 20.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.41 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.5% lower in Las Cruces than Houston.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Las Cruces MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 10,460 | $36,560 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,790 | $27,360 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 6,940 | $26,000 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 6,460 | $61,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 5,310 | $29,680 |
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 — 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Houston vs Las Cruces?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,176 in Las Cruces vs $62,894 in Houston — a 12.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Las Cruces compare to Houston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA vs $46,960 in the Houston MSA, on total employment of 75,470 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Las Cruces more expensive than Houston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Las Cruces is 8.5% lower than Houston (90.212 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Las Cruces, NM from Houston, TX?
The driving distance is 787 mi and the route typically takes 13h 13m via I 10 and US 87. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Houston to Las Cruces?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 787 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Las Cruces compared to Houston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,023 in Las Cruces vs $264,336 in Houston — a 9.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Houston.
City profiles: Houston, TX · Las Cruces, NM.