Moving from Boulder, CO to Amarillo, TX
The 442 mi from Boulder to Amarillo translate to about 8h 27m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
442 mi Β· 8h 27m 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, Thornton, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Amarillo is 12.7% cheaper than Boulder overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Amarillo is 12.7% below Boulder β $964,531 vs $206,787 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boulder | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | β |
Climate warms by 5.4Β°F on the annual average β 51.5Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.7% between Boulder and Amarillo (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Amarillo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,710 | $37,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,610 | $26,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,220 | $37,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,020 | $29,500 |
| Production Occupations | 9,370 | $39,900 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Amarillo average 92Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Amarillo more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 12.7% lower than Boulder (91.82 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Boulder vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $85,364 in Boulder β a 26.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Boulder to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 442 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 442 mi and the route typically takes 8h 27m via US 287 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Boulder?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $64,750 in the Boulder MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 194,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $964,531 in Boulder β a 78.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO Β· Amarillo, TX.