Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Amarillo, TX
Relocating between Fort Collins, CO and Amarillo, TX is a 473 mi drive β 8h 54m 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.
473 mi Β· 8h 54m 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
| Fort Collins | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.2% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Amarillo at 91.82 vs Fort Collins at 101.128.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $563,815 to $206,787 moving to Amarillo.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | β |
Expect 6.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.56 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.2% β $83,598 β $62,469 per ACS 5-year estimates (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
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 25.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 63.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 473 mi and the route typically takes 8h 54m via US 287 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 473 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 9.2% lower than Fort Collins (91.82 vs 101.128, 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 Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO Β· Amarillo, TX.