Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Amarillo, TX
Relocating between Fort Worth, TX and Amarillo, TX is a 336 mi drive β 6h 4m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
336 mi Β· 6h 4m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 81, I 35W TEXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.9% moving from Fort Worth to Amarillo β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $298,051 in Fort Worth to $206,787 in Amarillo, a 10.9% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Expect 10.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.56 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.9% lower in Amarillo than Fort Worth.
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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 30.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 18.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 336 mi and the route typically takes 6h 4m via US 287 and US 81. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 336 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 10.9% lower than Fort Worth (91.82 vs 103.09, 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 Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Amarillo, TX.