Moving from Amarillo, TX to Columbia, MO
It is 707 mi between Amarillo and Columbia β roughly 12h 34m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
707 mi Β· 12h 34m by car Β· TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 40, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.82 vs 89.438 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 2.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $206,787 to $321,091 moving to Columbia.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 44.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Amarillo (56.9Β°F) and Columbia (56.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Columbia averages 17.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 35 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.48 |
Median household incomes in Amarillo ($62,469) and Columbia ($64,488) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas 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 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β 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 Amarillo to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 707 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 3.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbia more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 2.6% lower than Amarillo (89.438 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 55.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Columbia, MO from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 707 mi and the route typically takes 12h 34m via I 44 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 120,310 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 Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Columbia, MO.