Moving from Lubbock, TX to Amarillo, TX
Relocating between Lubbock, TX and Amarillo, TX is a 125 mi drive — 2h 12m 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.
125 mi · 2h 12m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 27, US 87, US 60 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Lubbock to Amarillo — $209,436 vs $206,787 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lubbock | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | — |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.56 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 20–30% 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 92°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 Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 125 mi and the route typically takes 2h 12m via I 27 and US 87. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 0.6% higher than Lubbock (91.82 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 125 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $60,487 in Lubbock — a 3.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $209,436 in Lubbock — a 1.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX · Amarillo, TX.