Moving from Amarillo, TX to Oklahoma City, OK
It is a 258 mi drive, roughly 4h 29m, between Amarillo, TX and Oklahoma City, OK. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
258 mi · 4h 29m by car · OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 270, LOOP 395 |
| Major cities en route | Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Oklahoma City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 90.408 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 74.067 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 73.885 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.82 vs 90.408 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $206,787 vs $206,713.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Oklahoma City -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Amarillo | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 27°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 6.7" |
| Annual precipitation | — | 36.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Amarillo (56.9°F) and Oklahoma City (60.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Oklahoma City averages 6.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Oklahoma City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 688,693 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $66,702 |
| Median age | 35 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 21.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.5 |
Households in Oklahoma City earn about 1.5% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Oklahoma City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 91,690 | $40,050 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 68,430 | $26,100 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 60,820 | $36,060 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 59,770 | $34,460 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 43,490 | $76,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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 Oklahoma City average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Oklahoma City compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 656,800 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Oklahoma City, OK from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 258 mi and the route typically takes 4h 29m via I 40 and US 270. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Oklahoma City more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Oklahoma City is 1.5% lower than Amarillo (90.408 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 Oklahoma City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 258 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 Oklahoma City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $62,469 in Amarillo — a 6.8% 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 · Oklahoma City, OK.