Moving from Amarillo, TX to Lubbock, TX
Relocating between Amarillo, TX and Lubbock, TX is a 125 mi drive — 2h 12m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
125 mi · 2h 12m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 27, US 87, US 60 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Lubbock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 91.317 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 82.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 76.357 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.82 vs 91.317 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $206,787 vs $209,436.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Lubbock +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Amarillo | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 30°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | — | 19.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Amarillo (56.9°F) and Lubbock (61.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, LUBBOCK WFO, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 261,078 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $60,487 |
| Median age | 35 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.48 |
Median household incomes in Amarillo ($62,469) and Lubbock ($60,487) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lubbock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,380 | $36,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,440 | $26,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,850 | $30,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,440 | $35,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 11,550 | $59,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 Lubbock average 93°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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Lubbock compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 150,730 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Lubbock more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lubbock is 0.5% lower than Amarillo (91.317 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Lubbock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,487 in Lubbock vs $62,469 in Amarillo — a 3.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lubbock, TX from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 125 mi and the route typically takes 2h 12m via I 27 and US 87. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lubbock compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $209,436 in Lubbock vs $206,787 in Amarillo — a 1.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Lubbock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 125 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX · Lubbock, TX.