Moving from Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM
The 286 mi from Amarillo to Albuquerque translate to about 4h 54m behind the wheel through 2 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.
286 mi · 4h 54m by car · NM → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NM → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Rio Rancho |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Albuquerque | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 77.852 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.144 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 89.153 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Albuquerque and Amarillo is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Albuquerque is 4.1% above Amarillo — $206,787 vs $344,457 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Albuquerque +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Amarillo | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 21°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | — | — |
Annual average temperatures in Amarillo (56.9°F) and Albuquerque (56.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 562,488 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $65,604 |
| Median age | 35 | 38.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 4.1%: $62,469 in Amarillo vs $65,604 in Albuquerque.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Albuquerque MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,500 | $39,300 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 36,930 | $28,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 33,230 | $33,280 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,010 | $38,960 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 26,950 | $81,890 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and New Mexico
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Mexico'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.
Winter driving along this route
- 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 Albuquerque average 95°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 New Mexico after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Albuquerque?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 286 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Albuquerque?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $62,469 in Amarillo — a 5.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Albuquerque compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Albuquerque more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Albuquerque is 4.1% higher than Amarillo (95.546 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Albuquerque, NM from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 286 mi and the route typically takes 4h 54m via I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Albuquerque compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $344,457 in Albuquerque vs $206,787 in Amarillo — a 66.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX · Albuquerque, NM.