Moving from Amarillo, TX to Goodyear, AZ
The drive from Amarillo, TX to Goodyear, AZ runs 780 mi β about 13h 40m 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.
780 mi Β· 13h 40m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, AZ 89A |
| Major cities en route | Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Goodyear | 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 Goodyear than Amarillo on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Goodyear typical home at $469,424 is 12.5% above Amarillo at $206,787 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 107Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 7.4" |
NOAA normals show Goodyear running 17.0Β°F above Amarillo on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Goodyear sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 35 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.87 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.5% between Amarillo and Goodyear (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 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 (17.0Β°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 Goodyear compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear 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.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 63.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Goodyear?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 780 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Goodyear, AZ from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 780 mi and the route typically takes 13h 40m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Goodyear more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear 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 Goodyear compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 127.0% 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· Goodyear, AZ.