Moving from Chandler, AZ to Amarillo, TX
It is 702 mi between Chandler and Amarillo — roughly 12h 42m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
702 mi · 12h 42m by car · AZ → NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | AZ 77, I 40, AZ 87 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Goodyear, Glendale, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chandler | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.1% cheaper overall in Amarillo than Chandler on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.1% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chandler -2.0%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chandler | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,123 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $103,691 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.6% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 2.56 |
Amarillo households earn about 11.1% less than Chandler at the median — $103,691 → $62,469 on 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 Arizona 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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 92°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 Chandler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 11.1% lower than Chandler (91.82 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Chandler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,600 in the Chandler MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Chandler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $524,156 in Chandler — a 60.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chandler to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 702 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chandler vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $103,691 in Chandler — a 39.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Chandler, AZ?
The driving distance is 702 mi and the route typically takes 12h 42m via AZ 77 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chandler.
City profiles: Chandler, AZ · Amarillo, TX.