Moving from Amarillo, TX to Aurora, CO
Relocating between Amarillo, TX and Aurora, CO is a 407 mi drive β 7h 44m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
407 mi Β· 7h 44m by car Β· CO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 385, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Denver, Arvada, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $206,787 to $463,081 moving to Aurora.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Aurora -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Expect 6.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 390,201 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $84,320 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.73 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.2% β $62,469 β $84,320 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Aurora MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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 Aurora average 90Β°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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Aurora more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 15.2% higher than Amarillo (105.782 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Aurora, CO from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 407 mi and the route typically takes 7h 44m via US 287 and US 385. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Aurora MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 407 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $463,081 in Aurora vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 123.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,320 in Aurora vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 35.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Aurora, CO.