Moving from Topeka, KS to Amarillo, TX
Relocating 516 mi from Topeka to Amarillo is a 9h 23m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
516 mi · 9h 23m by car · TX → OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 60, US 412 |
| Major cities en route | Wichita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 88.82 vs 91.82 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.4% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Topeka | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | — |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9°F) and Amarillo (56.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.56 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.4% higher in Amarillo than Topeka.
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 Kansas 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.
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
How far is Amarillo, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 516 mi and the route typically takes 9h 23m via I 35 and US 60. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $55,902 in Topeka — a 11.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka 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 516 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 Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 3.4% higher than Topeka (91.82 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $190,096 in Topeka — a 8.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS · Amarillo, TX.