Moving from Columbia, MO to Amarillo, TX
Relocating 707 mi from Columbia to Amarillo is a 12h 34m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
707 mi Β· 12h 34m by car Β· TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 40, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.438 vs 91.82 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $321,091 to $206,787 moving to Amarillo.
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Columbia (56.2Β°F) and Amarillo (56.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.56 |
Median household incomes in Columbia ($64,488) and Amarillo ($62,469) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Amarillo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,710 | $37,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,610 | $26,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,220 | $37,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,020 | $29,500 |
| Production Occupations | 9,370 | $39,900 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Amarillo average 92Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $64,488 in Columbia β a 3.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 707 mi and the route typically takes 12h 34m via I 44 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $321,091 in Columbia β a 35.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 707 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 2.7% higher than Columbia (91.82 vs 89.438, 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 Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO Β· Amarillo, TX.