Moving from Las Cruces, NM to St. Louis, MO
Relocating 1147 mi from Las Cruces to St. Louis is a 21h 4m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1147 mi · 21h 4m by car · MO → OK → TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → OK → TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 70, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma City, Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
St. Louis runs about 5.4% more expensive overall than Las Cruces — RPP 90.212 → 95.088.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, St. Louis —. 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 | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.03 |
Household income lines up — $55,176 vs $55,279 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Mexico and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1147 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 1147 mi and the route typically takes 21h 4m via I 44 and US 70. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 5.4% higher than Las Cruces (95.088 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 0.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · St. Louis, MO.