Moving from Westminster, CO to Amarillo, TX
The 427 mi from Westminster to Amarillo translate to about 8h 9m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
427 mi Β· 8h 9m by car Β· TX β OK β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 70, US 385 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.782 to 91.82, putting Amarillo roughly 13.2% below Westminster on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Amarillo: 13.2% below Westminster on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Westminster | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.2% between Westminster 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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 Westminster vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $96,145 in Westminster β a 35.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 427 mi and the route typically takes 8h 9m via US 287 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $527,654 in Westminster β a 60.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 427 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 13.2% lower than Westminster (91.82 vs 105.782, 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 Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO Β· Amarillo, TX.