Moving from Irving, TX to Amarillo, TX
The 353 mi from Irving to Amarillo translate to about 6h 24m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
353 mi Β· 6h 24m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, US 81, TX 183 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Plano, Garland, Mckinney, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Irving | 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 |
Amarillo is 10.9% cheaper than Irving overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Amarillo is 10.9% below Irving β $341,503 vs $206,787 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Irving -2.6%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Irving | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.0" | β |
Climate cools by 9.7Β°F on the annual average β 66.6Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DALLAS FT WORTH AP, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Irving | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 255,036 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $79,641 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.8% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.9% between Irving and Amarillo (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.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Amarillo, TX from Irving, TX?
The driving distance is 353 mi and the route typically takes 6h 24m 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 Irving?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $48,440 in the Irving 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.
How does household income compare in Irving vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $79,641 in Irving β a 21.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Irving?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 10.9% lower than Irving (91.82 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Irving?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $341,503 in Irving β a 39.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Irving to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 353 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Irving.
City profiles: Irving, TX Β· Amarillo, TX.