Moving from Amarillo, TX to Odessa, TX
Moving from Amarillo, TX to Odessa, TX covers 256 mi and about 4h 26m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
256 mi · 4h 26m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 27, US 87, TX 349 |
| Major cities en route | Lubbock, Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Odessa and Amarillo are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.82 vs 93.896); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Odessa typical home at $251,239 is 2.3% above Amarillo at $206,787 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Amarillo | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | — | 12.3" |
Odessa runs 7.5°F warmer on the annual average (56.9°F vs 64.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Odessa sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 35 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.54 |
Median household income in Odessa is 2.3% above Amarillo ($62,469 → $73,030, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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.
Frequently asked
Is Odessa more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 2.3% higher than Amarillo (93.896 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 256 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $62,469 in Amarillo — a 16.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Odessa, TX from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 256 mi and the route typically takes 4h 26m via I 27 and US 87. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $206,787 in Amarillo — a 21.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Odessa compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX · Odessa, TX.