Moving from College Station, TX to Albuquerque, NM
Relocating 768 mi from College Station to Albuquerque is a 13h 56m 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.
768 mi Β· 13h 56m by car Β· NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 40, US 183 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho, Lubbock, Killeen, Waco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Albuquerque | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.1% above College Station β 90.951 β 95.546 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from College Station to Albuquerque β $349,041 vs $344,457 (2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Albuquerque +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | β |
Expect 12.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 562,488 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $65,604 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 38.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.1% β $51,776 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 (12.7Β°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
Is Albuquerque more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Albuquerque is 5.1% higher than College Station (95.546 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Albuquerque compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $344,457 in Albuquerque vs $349,041 in College Station β a 1.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Albuquerque?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $51,776 in College Station β a 26.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Albuquerque?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 768 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 College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Albuquerque, NM from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 768 mi and the route typically takes 13h 56m via US 84 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Albuquerque, NM.