Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Amarillo, TX
Relocating 741 mi from Phoenix to Amarillo is a 12h 39m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
741 mi Β· 12h 39m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, AZ 89A |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.1% cheaper overall in Amarillo than Phoenix on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | β |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.6Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.56 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.1% lower in Amarillo than Phoenix.
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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Phoenix to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 741 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 18.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 49.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 11.1% lower than Phoenix (91.82 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 741 mi and the route typically takes 12h 39m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 3 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 Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Amarillo, TX.