Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Waco, TX
Relocating 690 mi from Rio Rancho to Waco is a 12h 47m 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.
690 mi Β· 12h 47m by car Β· TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, I 40, TX 153 |
| Major cities en route | Killeen, Lubbock, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 95.546 vs 92.55 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $361,856 to $194,245 moving to Waco.
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rio Rancho | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.5" | 37.5" |
Expect 8.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Waco gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO RANCHO #2, NM US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 39 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.68 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.1% β $85,755 β $51,468 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
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 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 Waco average 95Β°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
Is Waco more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 3.1% lower than Rio Rancho (92.55 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 Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho β a 40.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho β a 46.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 690 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Waco, TX from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 690 mi and the route typically takes 12h 47m via US 84 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 396,030 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 Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM Β· Waco, TX.