Moving from Independence, MO to Amarillo, TX
It is 590 mi between Independence and Amarillo β roughly 10h 45m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
590 mi Β· 10h 45m by car Β· TX β OK β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 60, US 412 |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Independence to Amarillo β $208,158 vs $206,787 (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.56 |
Households in Amarillo earn about 0.8% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Independence vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $59,480 in Independence β a 5.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 0.8% lower than Independence (91.82 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 590 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 Amarillo compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $208,158 in Independence β a 0.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 590 mi and the route typically takes 10h 45m via I 35 and US 60. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Amarillo, TX.