Moving from Dallas, TX to Amarillo, TX
Moving from Dallas, TX to Amarillo, TX covers 365 mi and about 6h 35m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
365 mi Β· 6h 35m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 81, TX 183 TEXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Garland, Mckinney, Mesquite, Richardson, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Amarillo is 10.9% cheaper than Dallas 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 10.9% below Dallas β $309,421 vs $206,787 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dallas | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | β |
Amarillo is 11.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (68.0Β°F vs 56.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.56 |
Median household income in Amarillo is 10.9% below Dallas ($67,760 β $62,469, 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.
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 Amarillo average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 far is Amarillo, TX from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 365 mi and the route typically takes 6h 35m via US 287 and US 81. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 10.9% lower than Dallas (91.82 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $67,760 in Dallas β a 7.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 365 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $309,421 in Dallas β a 33.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX Β· Amarillo, TX.