Moving from Amarillo, TX to Glendale, AZ
The drive from Amarillo, TX to Glendale, AZ runs 746 mi β about 12h 49m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
746 mi Β· 12h 49m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, AZ 89A |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Surprise, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 12.5% pricier overall in Glendale than Amarillo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Glendale typical home at $407,332 is 12.5% above Amarillo at $206,787 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 8.3" |
NOAA normals show Glendale running 15.0Β°F above Amarillo on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Glendale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 35 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.88 |
Income steps up 12.5%: $62,469 in Amarillo vs $70,139 in Glendale.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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 Glendale average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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 Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 746 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 746 mi and the route typically takes 12h 49m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 12.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Glendale more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 12.5% higher than Amarillo (103.316 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 97.0% 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 Β· Glendale, AZ.