Moving from Glendale, AZ to Amarillo, TX
The drive from Glendale, AZ to Amarillo, TX runs 746 mi β about 12h 49m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
746 mi Β· 12h 49m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, AZ 89A |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Surprise, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | 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 |
Amarillo is 11.1% cheaper than Glendale 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 11.1% below Glendale β $407,332 vs $206,787 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Glendale | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | β |
Amarillo runs 15.0Β°F colder on the annual average (71.9Β°F vs 56.9Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.56 |
Income steps down 11.1%: $70,139 in Glendale 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.
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 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
- 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 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 (15.0Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Amarillo more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 11.1% lower than Glendale (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 Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale 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 does household income compare in Glendale vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $70,139 in Glendale β a 10.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $407,332 in Glendale β a 49.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 746 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 Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 746 mi and the route typically takes 12h 49m via I 40 and I 17. 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 Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ Β· Amarillo, TX.