Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Pembroke Pines, FL
Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Pembroke Pines, FL is a 1962 mi cross-country relocation β about 35h 40m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1962 mi Β· 35h 40m by car Β· FL β AL β MS β LA β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL β MS β LA β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 287, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Pembroke Pines is 19.5% higher than Rio Rancho, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pembroke Pines is 19.5% above Rio Rancho β $361,856 vs $487,422 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rio Rancho | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.5" | 62.0" |
Pembroke Pines runs 19.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (58.0Β°F vs 77.3Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO RANCHO #2, NM US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 39 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.67 |
Median household incomes in Rio Rancho ($85,755) and Pembroke Pines ($81,675) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Mexico and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho β a 34.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 1962 mi and the route typically takes 35h 40m via I 20 and US 287. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 19.5% higher than Rio Rancho (114.155 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rio Rancho vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho β a 4.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1962 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.