Moving from Amarillo, TX to Independence, MO
Relocating 590 mi from Amarillo to Independence is a 10h 45m drive through 4 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.
590 mi Β· 10h 45m by car Β· TX β OK β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 60, US 412 |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.82 vs 92.543 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
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $206,787 vs $208,158.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Amarillo (56.9Β°F) and Independence (54.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Independence averages 13.2 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, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.39 |
Median household incomes in Amarillo ($62,469) and Independence ($59,480) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
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: Independence averages 13.2 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
How far is Independence, MO from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 590 mi and the route typically takes 10h 45m via I 35 and US 60. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $62,469 in Amarillo 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 Amarillo to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 590 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Independence more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 0.8% higher than Amarillo (92.543 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 0.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Independence, MO.