Moving from Amarillo, TX to Thornton, CO
It is a 427 mi drive, roughly 8h 10m, between Amarillo, TX and Thornton, CO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
427 mi Β· 8h 10m by car Β· TX β OK β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 70, US 385 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Denver, Westminster, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $206,787 to $502,945 moving to Thornton.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Amarillo (56.9Β°F) and Thornton (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Thornton averages 44.8 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, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 35 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.88 |
Thornton households earn about 15.2% more than Amarillo at the median β $62,469 β $100,985 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 61.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Thornton, CO from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 427 mi and the route typically takes 8h 10m via US 287 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 143.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 427 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Thornton more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 15.2% higher than Amarillo (105.782 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· Thornton, CO.