Moving from Memphis, TN to Amarillo, TX
The drive from Memphis, TN to Amarillo, TX runs 729 mi β about 12h 34m 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.
729 mi Β· 12h 34m by car Β· TN β AR β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 270, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Norman, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Amarillo and Memphis is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Amarillo is 0.4% above Memphis β $144,710 vs $206,787 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | β |
Climate cools by 6.5Β°F on the annual average β 63.4Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.4% between Memphis 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.
Moving between Tennessee 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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.
- 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
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 22.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 729 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 Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 729 mi and the route typically takes 12h 34m via I 40 and US 270. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 42.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 0.4% lower than Memphis (91.82 vs 92.179, 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Amarillo, TX.