Moving from Pembroke Pines, FL to Rio Rancho, NM
Moving from Pembroke Pines, FL to Rio Rancho, NM is a 1962 mi cross-country relocation β about 35h 40m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1962 mi Β· 35h 40m by car Β· FL β AL β MS β LA β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL β MS β LA β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 287, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pembroke Pines | Rio Rancho | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Rio Rancho are 16.3% below Pembroke Pines β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Rio Rancho typical home at $361,856 is 16.3% under Pembroke Pines at $487,422 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Pembroke Pines -4.3%, Rio Rancho +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pembroke Pines | Rio Rancho |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 62.0" | 9.5" |
NOAA normals show Rio Rancho running 19.3Β°F below Pembroke Pines on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US, RIO RANCHO #2, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pembroke Pines | Rio Rancho |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,557 | 106,533 |
| Median household income | $81,675 | $85,755 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 20.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Rio Rancho is 16.3% above Pembroke Pines ($81,675 β $85,755, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rio Rancho 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 Florida 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 Rio Rancho average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Rio Rancho sees only 9.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.3Β°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
How far is Rio Rancho, NM from Pembroke Pines, FL?
The driving distance is 1962 mi and the route typically takes 35h 40m via I 20 and US 287. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Pembroke Pines to Rio Rancho?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1962 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Rio Rancho compare to Pembroke Pines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA vs $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Pembroke Pines vs Rio Rancho?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,755 in Rio Rancho vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines β a 5.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Rio Rancho compared to Pembroke Pines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $361,856 in Rio Rancho vs $487,422 in Pembroke Pines β a 25.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rio Rancho more expensive than Pembroke Pines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rio Rancho is 16.3% lower than Pembroke Pines (95.546 vs 114.155, 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 Pembroke Pines.
City profiles: Pembroke Pines, FL Β· Rio Rancho, NM.