Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Amarillo, TX
The 394 mi from Las Cruces to Amarillo translate to about 7h 51m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
394 mi · 7h 51m by car · TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 70, US 60, US 380 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Las Cruces (90.212) and Amarillo (91.82) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Amarillo: 1.8% below Las Cruces on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Cruces | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.56 |
Income steps up 1.8%: $55,176 in Las Cruces 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 New Mexico 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- 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 92°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 Las Cruces to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 394 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 394 mi and the route typically takes 7h 51m via US 70 and US 60. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 1.8% higher than Las Cruces (91.82 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 28.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 13.2% higher 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 Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · Amarillo, TX.