Moving from Amarillo, TX to Boulder, CO
Moving from Amarillo, TX to Boulder, CO covers 442 mi and about 8h 27m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
442 mi Β· 8h 27m 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
| Amarillo | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Boulder is 14.6% higher than Amarillo, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Boulder is 14.6% above Amarillo β $206,787 vs $964,531 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 21.2" |
Boulder is 5.4Β°F cooler on the annual average (56.9Β°F vs 51.5Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Boulder averages 92.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 35 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Boulder is 14.6% above Amarillo ($62,469 vs $85,364, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boulder MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,760 | $91,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $47,560 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,360 | $50,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,660 | $37,440 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 17,320 | $131,150 |
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
- Winter gear first: Boulder averages 92.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Boulder more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 14.6% higher than Amarillo (105.202 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 366.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 36.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 442 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 194,440 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Boulder, CO from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 442 mi and the route typically takes 8h 27m via US 287 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Boulder, CO.