Moving from Amarillo, TX to Centennial, CO
Moving from Amarillo, TX to Centennial, CO covers 416 mi and about 7h 37m 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.
416 mi Β· 7h 37m by car Β· TX β NM β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 87, US 385 |
| Major cities en route | Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Lakewood, Aurora, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Centennial | 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 |
Moderate COL step-up: 15.2% pricier overall in Centennial than Amarillo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Centennial typical home at $649,086 is 15.2% above Amarillo at $206,787 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 15.0" |
Centennial is 6.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (56.9Β°F vs 50.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 35 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.59 |
Median household income in Centennial is 15.2% above Amarillo ($62,469 vs $128,167, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial 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.
How far is Centennial, CO from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 416 mi and the route typically takes 7h 37m via I 25 and US 87. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Centennial more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial 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 much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 213.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 416 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 105.2% 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· Centennial, CO.