Moving from Grand Prairie, TX to Amarillo, TX
The 359 mi from Grand Prairie to Amarillo translate to about 6h 30m 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.
359 mi Β· 6h 30m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 82, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Denton, Fort Worth, Lewisville, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Grand Prairie | 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 Grand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie β $316,527 vs $206,787 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Grand Prairie -2.8%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Grand Prairie | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.1" | β |
Climate cools by 8.7Β°F on the annual average β 65.6Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOE POOL LAKE, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Grand Prairie | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,564 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $78,889 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.8% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.9% between Grand Prairie and Amarillo (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.
- 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 the job market in Amarillo compare to Grand Prairie?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,440 in the Grand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 359 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 Grand Prairie?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $316,527 in Grand Prairie β a 34.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Grand Prairie, TX?
The driving distance is 359 mi and the route typically takes 6h 30m via US 287 and US 82. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Grand Prairie?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 10.9% lower than Grand Prairie (91.82 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Grand Prairie vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $78,889 in Grand Prairie β a 20.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Grand Prairie.
City profiles: Grand Prairie, TX Β· Amarillo, TX.