Moving from Albuquerque to Reno

Census counts show about 28 people a year moving from Washoe County to Bernalillo County (2016-2020), while the count in the other direction is within the survey's margin of error. New Mexico as a whole sent about 1,320 people to Nevada in 2024, against about 898 moving the other way.

The drive: I-40, US 93, I-11 and US 95

The truck takes I-40 west for about 468 miles across New Mexico and northern Arizona, then turns north on US 93 for about 68 miles. I-11 covers about 42 miles near Las Vegas, and US 95 carries the truck about 272 miles through central Nevada to the Reno area. The total is about 1,000 miles.

At 500 miles a day the map says two days behind the wheel, with a free-flow time of 18 h 30 min. The figure is close to a three-day run for a loaded truck once loading, weight stops and rest are counted, and your written estimate sets the delivery window.

I-40 is a major freight route that is plowed and treated in winter, but the high country of northern Arizona and western New Mexico can see snow and ice. New Mexico's NMRoads site covers the start, Arizona 511 covers the middle, and the Nevada 511 site covers the long run north on US 95. The routing data lists no mountain pass on this route, and the Sierra summits are not part of it.

Albuquerque and Reno side by side

Albuquerque averages about 8.8 inches of precipitation and 7.9 inches of snow a year, against about 7.4 and 20.9 at the Reno airport. The January average high is 48.4 F in Albuquerque and 47.7 F in Reno, nearly identical. July highs are 91.2 F and 93.9 F.

The table above uses Census figures for the Albuquerque metro area, with median household income of $70,783, median gross rent of $1,156 and a median home value of $287,800. Reno-Sparks has a median household income of $87,485, median gross rent of $1,592 and a median home value of $502,300, a notable step up in housing cost. New Mexico taxes income and Nevada does not tax wages.

How the move works with O'Brien's

You book the move with O'Brien's, the Bekins Van Lines agent in Sparks, and we coordinate it from your Albuquerque home through the Bekins network. When the shipment reaches Northern Nevada, we handle delivery, unpacking and, if your new place is not ready, storage in our 30,000 square foot Sparks warehouse (vault storage from $40 per month). Call 775-359-6683 for a phone ballpark, or send an online request.

Planning

Long-distance moves are priced by weight, and the estimate is itemized and in writing. Our New Mexico to Reno guide covers license and registration steps, and the long-distance checklist covers mail, utilities and records.