Moving from Amarillo, TX to Plano, TX
It is a 359 mi drive, roughly 6h 34m, between Amarillo, TX and Plano, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
359 mi Β· 6h 34m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 81, US 380 |
| Major cities en route | Mckinney, Allen, Garland, Richardson, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 12.3% above Amarillo β 91.82 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.9" |
Annual temperature rises 8.9Β°F moving to Plano per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 35 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.6 |
Plano households earn about 12.3% more than Amarillo at the median β $62,469 β $108,649 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Plano average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 73.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Plano, TX from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 359 mi and the route typically takes 6h 34m via US 287 and US 81. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 359 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 141.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Plano compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Plano more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 12.3% higher than Amarillo (103.09 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Plano, TX.