Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Burbank, CA
A move from Las Cruces, NM to Burbank, CA covers 770 mi and around 13h 34m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
770 mi · 13h 34m by car · NM → AZ → CA
Distance & route
| Route through | NM → AZ → CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 95, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Tucson, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Burbank | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 25.9% higher overall in Burbank vs Las Cruces on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Burbank: 25.9% above Las Cruces on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Burbank -2.4%. 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 | Las Cruces | Burbank |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 105,165 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $95,816 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 31% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.44 |
Median household income in Burbank is 25.9% above Las Cruces ($55,176 vs $95,816, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Burbank MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Mexico and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Burbank, CA from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 770 mi and the route typically takes 13h 34m via I 10 and US 95. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to Burbank?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 770 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Burbank compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Burbank MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 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 Burbank?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $95,816 in Burbank vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 73.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Burbank more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Burbank is 25.9% higher than Las Cruces (113.566 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Burbank compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,200,885 in Burbank vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 314.1% 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 · Burbank, CA.