Moving from Las Cruces, NM to College Station, TX
It is 729 mi between Las Cruces and College Station — roughly 12h 36m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
729 mi · 12h 36m by car · TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 290, TX 21 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Austin, El Paso |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | College Station | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 90.951 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 84.39 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 75.088 | 100.0 |
Las Cruces and College Station sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $290,023 in Las Cruces to $349,041 in College Station, a 0.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, College Station +0.5%. 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 | Las Cruces | College Station |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 122,280 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $51,776 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 22.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.74 |
Households in College Station earn about 0.8% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in College Station MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,920 | $37,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,880 | $27,430 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 14,280 | $63,400 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,460 | $76,630 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 9,930 | $31,090 |
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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in College Station average 95°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
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to College Station?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 729 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in College Station compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,710 in the College Station MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 128,840 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs College Station?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,776 in College Station vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 6.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is College Station more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in College Station is 0.8% higher than Las Cruces (90.951 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is College Station, TX from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 729 mi and the route typically takes 12h 36m via I 10 and US 290. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in College Station compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $349,041 in College Station vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 20.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · College Station, TX.