Moving from Kansas City, MO to Amarillo, TX
A move from Kansas City, MO to Amarillo, TX covers 579 mi and around 10h 26m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
579 mi Β· 10h 26m by car Β· MO β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 470, US 412 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Amarillo and Kansas City are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.543 vs 91.82); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.8% lower in Amarillo than Kansas City as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.9Β°F vs 56.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.56 |
Median household income in Amarillo is 0.8% below Kansas City ($67,449 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.
Moving between Missouri 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 579 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 0.8% lower than Kansas City (91.82 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 7.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 17.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 579 mi and the route typically takes 10h 26m via US 60 and I 470. The trip crosses 4 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Amarillo, TX.