Moving from Arlington, TX to Albuquerque, NM
Relocating 636 mi from Arlington to Albuquerque is a 11h 15m 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.
636 mi Β· 11h 15m by car Β· NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 40, US 82 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho, Amarillo, Denton, Fort Worth, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arlington | Albuquerque | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.3% moving from Arlington to Albuquerque β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Albuquerque run about 7.3% pricier β ZHVI $310,971 β $344,457 (2026-03).
YoY change: Arlington -3.0%, Albuquerque +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Arlington | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.2" | β |
Expect 10.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ARLINGTON MUNI AP, TX US, RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arlington | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 394,769 | 562,488 |
| Median household income | $73,519 | $65,604 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 38.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.8% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.81 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.3% lower in Albuquerque than Arlington.
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 (10.1Β°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 Arlington to Albuquerque?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 636 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 Albuquerque compare to Arlington?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA vs $48,440 in the Arlington MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Albuquerque compared to Arlington?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $344,457 in Albuquerque vs $310,971 in Arlington β a 10.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Albuquerque, NM from Arlington, TX?
The driving distance is 636 mi and the route typically takes 11h 15m via US 287 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Albuquerque more expensive than Arlington?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Albuquerque is 7.3% lower than Arlington (95.546 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Arlington vs Albuquerque?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $73,519 in Arlington β a 10.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Arlington.
City profiles: Arlington, TX Β· Albuquerque, NM.