Moving from Odessa, TX to Amarillo, TX
Moving from Odessa, TX to Amarillo, TX covers 256 mi and about 4h 26m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
256 mi · 4h 26m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 27, US 87, TX 349 |
| Major cities en route | Lubbock, Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Odessa (93.896) and Amarillo (91.82) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Amarillo ZHVI at $206,787 is 2.2% below Odessa at $251,239.
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Odessa | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | — |
Amarillo is 7.5°F cooler on the annual average (64.4°F vs 56.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 31 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.56 |
Median household income in Amarillo is 2.2% below Odessa ($73,030 → $62,469, 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 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
When is the best time to move from Odessa 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 256 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $251,239 in Odessa — a 17.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $73,030 in Odessa — a 14.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 256 mi and the route typically takes 4h 26m via I 27 and US 87. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 2.2% lower than Odessa (91.82 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX · Amarillo, TX.