Moving from Garland, TX to Amarillo, TX
The 369 mi from Garland to Amarillo translate to about 6h 41m behind the wheel through 1 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.
369 mi Β· 6h 41m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 81, US 380 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Mesquite, Mckinney, Allen, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garland | 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 |
Overall prices in Amarillo are 10.9% below Garland β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Amarillo typical home at $206,787 is 10.9% under Garland at $286,805 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Garland -5.4%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garland | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | β |
Climate cools by 8.9Β°F on the annual average β 65.8Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garland | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 245,298 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $74,717 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.3% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 3.04 | 2.56 |
Income steps down 10.9%: $74,717 in Garland vs $62,469 in Amarillo.
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.
- 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 does household income compare in Garland vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $74,717 in Garland β a 16.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Garland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,440 in the Garland 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.
When is the best time to move from Garland to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 369 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 Garland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $286,805 in Garland β a 27.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Garland, TX?
The driving distance is 369 mi and the route typically takes 6h 41m via US 287 and US 81. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Garland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 10.9% lower than Garland (91.82 vs 103.09, 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 Garland.
City profiles: Garland, TX Β· Amarillo, TX.