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Moving to Amarillo, TX

Complete 2026 relocation guide with costs, neighborhoods, and quality of life data

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

**Moving to Amarillo, TX:** Average 2BR move costs $1,484 inbound. Cost of living is 12% below the national average (index: 88.3). The city has moderate demand (standard market rates) for moving services. Population: 200,393. Safety rating: average safety (50/100). Key industries: Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare.

Data Sources: MoveSmart_City_Analysis_2026, Census_ACS_2024, BLS_Employment_2026
200K
Population
$1,484
Avg Move Cost
88.3
Cost Index
50/100
Safety Score
$1.1K
Avg 1BR Rent
Last Updated: 2026-04-19Prepared by MoveSmart Team
Street map of Amarillo, TX centered on downtown, showing major roads and neighborhoods.
Map data: OpenStreetMap via Mapbox.

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Neighborhoods in Amarillo

Finding the right area for your lifestyle

Amarillo offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. Wolflin is known for its historic charm, featuring tree-lined streets and stately, older homes, making it a well-established and desirable area. The Puckett neighborhood is a popular choice for families, offering a residential feel with good access to local schools and amenities. Bivins boasts a collection of historic and grand homes, situated conveniently close to the revitalizing downtown core. Downtown Amarillo itself is experiencing a resurgence, with a growing number of loft apartments and a focus on business and entertainment. For those seeking newer developments and a more suburban environment, Southwest Amarillo provides master-planned communities often associated with modern conveniences and highly-rated schools.

Average 1BR Rent
$1,150
Monthly
Average 2BR Rent
$1,495
Monthly
Walkability Score
47/100
Car-Dependent
Neighborhood Selection Tips
  • •Safety varies significantly by Amarillo neighborhood — citywide average (50/100) can mask block-by-block differences.
Data Sources: Zillow_Rent_Index_2026, WalkScore_API, Census_ACS_2024

Economy & Job Market

Employment, industries, and opportunities in Amarillo

Amarillo's job market draws on Agriculture and Energy. The median household income of $55,125 is comparable to the national median.

Median Household Income
$55,125
At national median
Key Industries
5
Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare
Major Employers
4
BSA Health System, Northwest Texas Healthcare System
Industry Landscape

The local economy is driven by Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare, with additional opportunities in Manufacturing and Transportation. Major employers include BSA Health System, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, Amarillo Independent School District, Tyson Foods.

AgricultureEnergyHealthcareManufacturingTransportation
Major Employers
BSA Health System
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
Amarillo Independent School District
Tyson Foods
Job Seeker Tips for Amarillo
  • •Healthcare is a major employer - research hospital systems and clinics in your specialty.
  • •Research major employers like BSA Health System before relocating for better job prospects.
  • •Network with Amarillo professionals on LinkedIn 2-3 months before your move.
  • •Check job boards specific to TX for local opportunities not listed nationally.
Data Sources: BLS_Employment_2026, Census_ACS_2024, LinkedIn_Economic_Graph

Local Moving Challenges in Amarillo

City-specific obstacles and how to handle them

Amarillo's smaller footprint generally makes moving logistics more straightforward than major metros. However, some residential areas may have narrow streets or limited truck access that requires planning.

Parking & Permit Requirements

Contact Amarillo city hall or your building management about moving truck parking permits. Most apartment complexes and HOAs have their own requirements including elevator reservations, proof of insurance, and sometimes move-in deposits. Schedule your parking permit at least 5 business days before your move date.

Neighborhood Moving Tips

  • Ask your new Amarillo neighbors about moving day logistics specific to your building or street. Local knowledge prevents surprises.
  • Join Amarillo community groups online before your move to get neighborhood-specific tips from residents.

Moving Costs: Amarillo

Inbound and outbound cost analysis

Moving TO Amarillo

Moving TO Amarillo: The average cost for a 2-bedroom move is $1,484. Amarillo experiences moderate demand with good carrier availability year-round. Limited backhaul discounts available for this direction.

$1,484avg 2BR
Moving FROM Amarillo

Moving FROM Amarillo: The average cost for a 2-bedroom move is $1,484. Outbound and inbound costs are in a similar range on this corridor.

$1,484avg 2BR

Moving Costs by Home Size

Home SizeWeightInbound CostOutbound Cost
Studio/1BR2,000-3,000 lbs$890-$1,113$890-$1,113
2BR5,000-6,000 lbs$1,261-$1,707$1,261-$1,707
3BR8,000-10,000 lbs$1,929-$2,374$1,929-$2,374
4BR+12,000-15,000 lbs$2,671-$3,265$2,671-$3,265
Seasonal Factors

Amarillo has year-round moving conditions. Peak season (June-August) sees 15-30% higher rates. Consider September-October for mild weather and lower demand.

Money-Saving Tips for Amarillo Moves
  • $Amarillo's moderate demand means more negotiating power — compare multiple estimates.
  • $Book 4-6 weeks ahead for Amarillo moves to lock in the best rates.
  • $Mid-month, mid-week moves to Amarillo are typically 10-15% cheaper than month-end weekends.
Data Sources: MoveSmart_Cost_Analysis_2026, EIA_STEO_2026, FMCSA_Carrier_Database
In-Depth Guide

The Complete Guide to Moving to Amarillo, TX in 2026

Prepared by MoveSmart Team · · 573 words

Reviewed by MoveSmart Team · Last verified April 2026 · Editorial Standards

Table of Contents

1Why People Are Moving to Amarillo

Amarillo, Texas has become an attractive option for relocating families and professionals in 2026. With a population of 200,393, the city offers strong opportunities in Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare. The affordable cost of living combines with improving community development and suburban character with room to grow. Whether you're relocating for a job opportunity, seeking a change of scenery, or planning retirement, understanding Amarillo's unique characteristics will help you make an informed decision and plan a successful move.

2What to Expect: Cost of Living in Amarillo

Understanding Amarillo's cost structure is essential for planning your move. The city's Cost of Living Index of 88.3 means you'll enjoy savings of about 12% compared to the national average. **Housing Costs:** The median home price is $284,498, while renters pay approximately $1,150 for a 1-bedroom and $1,495 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The housing market offers reasonable options across various price points. **Income Considerations:** The median household income in Amarillo is $55,125. Salaries are in line with the cost of living.

3Moving Costs: Getting to Amarillo

The cost of your move to Amarillo depends on distance, timing, and inventory size. **Inbound**: Moving TO Amarillo averages $1,484 for a 2BR. **Outbound**: Moving FROM Amarillo averages $1,484.

4Living in Amarillo: Quality of Life

Beyond the numbers, Amarillo offers a distinct lifestyle that attracts residents from across the country. **Safety:** With a safety score of 50/100, Amarillo is improving, though neighborhood research is recommended. Crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood - research specific areas before choosing where to live. **Walkability:** The city scores 47/100 for walkability. A car is essential for most daily activities. **Commute:** The average commute is 28 minutes. Commute times are reasonable across most of the city.

5Amarillo's Job Market and Economy

**Key industries**: Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Transportation. **Major employers**: BSA Health System, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, Amarillo Independent School District, Tyson Foods.

6Practical Tips for Your Move to Amarillo

A successful move requires planning. Here are Amarillo-specific considerations: **Parking:** Contact your building or Amarillo city hall about moving truck permits. Many areas require advance reservations. **DMV and Registration:** You'll have 30-60 days (varies by state) to update your driver's license and vehicle registration after establishing TX residency. **Finding Your Neighborhood:** With diverse neighborhoods to choose from, consider renting short-term first to find the right fit before committing to a long-term lease or purchase. For general utility-setup and pre-move admin steps, see our [Complete Moving Guide](/guide).

7Life After the Move: Amarillo Lifestyle

Life in Amarillo blends a rich Western heritage with a growing urban energy. The food scene is quintessential Texas, famous for its hearty BBQ and iconic steak houses, most notably The Big Texan Steak Ranch, challenging visitors with its legendary 72oz steak. Outdoor enthusiasts will find unparalleled access to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the nation's second-largest canyon, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping just a short drive away. Culturally, Amarillo is home to the quirky Cadillac Ranch art installation, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum celebrating the region's equestrian roots, and the Amarillo Museum of Art. The city also embraces its Route 66 legacy, with historic stretches and diners that evoke a bygone era, providing a unique blend of cowboy culture and roadside Americana.

8Next Steps for Your Amarillo Move

For the full pre-move timeline (8 weeks out, 6 weeks out, 4 weeks out, moving day, first week, first month), see our [Complete Moving Guide](/guide). Below, get a personalized cost estimate for your Amarillo move:
Data Sources: MoveSmart_Research_2026, Census_ACS_2024, BLS_2026, EIA_STEO_2026

Quality of Life in Amarillo

Safety, walkability, commute, and environment

Overall Quality of Life Score
54/100

Amarillo scores 54/100 on our Quality of Life Index (based on available local metrics). This is a moderate score, with room for improvement in some areas. Key strengths include below-average cost of living and strong job market with diverse industries. Areas to consider: like any city, specific neighborhoods may vary.

Safety

Average
50

Research specific neighborhoods — safety varies significantly across Amarillo.

Walkability

Average
47

Car-dependent city - plan for vehicle ownership costs.

Commute

Average
44

Average commute is 28 minutes. Reasonable commute times across the city.

Pros of Living in Amarillo
  • +Below-average cost of living
  • +Strong job market with diverse industries
Considerations
  • -Like any city, specific neighborhoods may vary
Data Sources: FBI_Crime_Stats_2024, WalkScore_API, EPA_AQI_2026, Census_Commute_Data_2024

Cost of Living in Amarillo

Compared to national averages

Amarillo offers a cost of living 12% below the national average, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious movers.

CategoryAmarilloNational AvgDifference
Cost of Living Index88.3100-12%
1BR Rent (Monthly)$1,150$1,500-23%
2BR Rent (Monthly)$1,495$1,900-21%
Median Home Price$284,498$400,000-29%
Median Household Income$55,125$75,000-27%
Sales Tax Rate8.20%7.12%+1.08%
Key Insights
  • •Amarillo offers significant cost savings. Your dollar goes 12% further here than the national average.
  • •Housing is relatively affordable: Rent is 25% of median income, within the healthy 30% threshold recommended by housing experts [Source: Harvard JCHS 2025].
Data Sources: Census_ACS_2024, BLS_CPI_2026, Zillow_Rent_Index_2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about moving to Amarillo

The average 2-bedroom move TO Amarillo costs $1,484, with studios around $742 and 4+ bedroom homes running $2,968+. Off-peak timing often yields lower rates on this corridor.

MoveSmart Rate Database, AMSA 2025
Data Sources: MoveSmart_FAQ_Database, Census_ACS_2024, FMCSA_2026

Amarillo, TX vs National Median

How Amarillo stacks up against the US median on four key cost and commute metrics.

Amarillo, TX housing tenure

Owner- vs renter-occupied share of housing units — US Census ACS.

Amarillo, TX mobility index

How often people move, and how the population has changed over five years.

Amarillo at a Glance

Five metrics that shape daily life — each city's polygon tells its own story.

Safety: 50/100 (50/100)Walkability: 47/100 (47/100)Air quality: 50/100 (N/A)Short commute: 64/100 (28 min)Affordability: 90/100 (CoL 88)SafetyWalkabilityAir qualityShort commuteAffordability
Safety
50/100
50
Walkability
47/100
47
Air quality
N/A
50
Short commute
28 min
64
Affordability
CoL 88
90

Popular Moving Routes for Amarillo

Real price, distance, and demand data for top corridors in and out of Amarillo.

Moving FROM Amarillo

DestinationMiles2BR costDemand
Dallas, TX334$1,490–$1,626High
Fort Worth, TX309$1,472–$1,485High
Denver, CO357$1,568–$1,829Medium
Oklahoma City, OK244$1,383–$1,102Medium
Albuquerque, NM272$1,392–$1,237Medium
Colorado Springs, CO299$1,507–$1,472Medium

Moving TO Amarillo

OriginMiles2BR costDemand
Dallas, TX334$1,490–$1,626High
Fort Worth, TX309$1,472–$1,485High
Denver, CO357$1,568–$1,829Medium
Oklahoma City, OK244$1,383–$1,102Medium
Albuquerque, NM272$1,392–$1,237Medium
Colorado Springs, CO299$1,507–$1,472Medium

Amarillo, TX Affordability Signature

Income, home price, and 2BR rent each scaled against the national median. Every city draws a different shape.

Median Income: $55,125 (74% of national)Home Price: $284,498 (71% of national)2BR Rent: $1,495 (79% of national)Median IncomeHome Price2BR Rent

Dashed grey = US national median (all three axes at 100%). Amber = Amarillo, TX. A larger triangle means higher raw values, not necessarily a more affordable city.

  • Median Income
    National median: $75,000
    $55,125
    74% of national
  • Home Price
    National median: $400,000
    $284,498
    71% of national
  • 2BR Rent
    National median: $1,900
    $1,495
    79% of national

Amarillo Moving Challenges & Local Tips

Amarillo's smaller footprint generally makes moving logistics more straightforward than major metros. However, some residential areas may have narrow streets or limited truck access that requires planning.

Parking & Permits

Contact Amarillo city hall or your building management about moving truck parking permits. Most apartment complexes and HOAs have their own requirements including elevator reservations, proof of insurance, and sometimes move-in deposits. Schedule your parking permit at least 5 business days before your move date.

Neighborhood Tips

  • Ask your new Amarillo neighbors about moving day logistics specific to your building or street. Local knowledge prevents surprises.
  • Join Amarillo community groups online before your move to get neighborhood-specific tips from residents.

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Estimates based on carrier rate cards and published industry data

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