Moving from Midland, TX to Amarillo, TX
The 239 mi from Midland to Amarillo translate to about 4h 7m behind the wheel through 1 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.
239 mi · 4h 7m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 27, US 87, TX 349 |
| Major cities en route | Lubbock, Odessa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Midland (95.783) 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: 4.1% below Midland on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Midland | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | — |
Climate cools by 8.1°F on the annual average — 65.0°F → 56.9°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.1% between Midland 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 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.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Amarillo, TX from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 239 mi and the route typically takes 4h 7m via I 27 and US 87. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Midland vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $91,169 in Midland — a 31.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $328,325 in Midland — a 37.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 4.1% lower than Midland (91.82 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Midland 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 239 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 114,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX · Amarillo, TX.