Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Garland, TX
A move from Las Cruces, NM to Garland, TX covers 698 mi and around 11h 54m of driving through 2 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.
698 mi · 11h 54m by car · TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 10, TX 183 TEXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Mesquite, Dallas, Plano, Mckinney, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Garland is 14.3% higher than Las Cruces, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Las Cruces and Garland are within 5% of each other ($290,023 vs $286,805 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Garland -5.4%. 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 | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 3.04 |
Median household income in Garland is 14.3% above Las Cruces ($55,176 vs $74,717, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Garland average 94°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
How does the job market in Garland compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Garland more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 14.3% higher than Las Cruces (103.09 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Garland, TX from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 698 mi and the route typically takes 11h 54m via I 20 and I 10. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 35.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 1.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 698 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · Garland, TX.