Moving from Amarillo, TX to Kansas City, MO
The drive from Amarillo, TX to Kansas City, MO runs 579 mi β about 10h 26m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
579 mi Β· 10h 26m by car Β· MO β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 470, US 412 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Kansas City | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Amarillo (91.82) and Kansas City (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Kansas City: 0.8% above Amarillo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Kansas City +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 11.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 38.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Kansas City gets around 11.0 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 508,233 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $67,449 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 23.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 0.8%: $62,469 in Amarillo vs $67,449 in Kansas City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kansas City 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Kansas City average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 much do homes cost in Kansas City compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $250,208 in Kansas City vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 21.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Kansas City, MO from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 579 mi and the route typically takes 10h 26m via US 60 and I 470. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Kansas City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 579 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Kansas City compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Kansas City 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 does household income compare in Amarillo vs Kansas City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,449 in Kansas City vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 8.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Kansas City more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kansas City is 0.8% higher than Amarillo (92.543 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Kansas City, MO.