Moving from Tallahassee, FL to Amarillo, TX
The drive from Tallahassee, FL to Amarillo, TX runs 1192 mi β about 21h 58m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1192 mi Β· 21h 58m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 287, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Denton, Lewisville, Frisco, Fort Worth, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tallahassee | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.919 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.471 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.528 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Amarillo and Tallahassee are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.919 vs 91.82); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Amarillo typical home at $206,787 is 2.2% under Tallahassee at $291,127 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tallahassee +0.2%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tallahassee | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 58.8" | β |
Climate cools by 11.6Β°F on the annual average β 68.5Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TALLAHASSEE, FL US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tallahassee | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,696 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $55,931 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 28 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.3% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.56 |
Income steps up 2.2%: $55,931 in Tallahassee vs $62,469 in Amarillo.
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 Florida 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.6Β°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Tallahassee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $291,127 in Tallahassee β a 29.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tallahassee to Amarillo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1192 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Tallahassee, FL?
The driving distance is 1192 mi and the route typically takes 21h 58m via I 20 and US 287. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tallahassee vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $55,931 in Tallahassee β a 11.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Tallahassee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 2.2% lower than Tallahassee (91.82 vs 93.919, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Tallahassee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $40,930 in the Tallahassee MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 181,050 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 Tallahassee.
City profiles: Tallahassee, FL Β· Amarillo, TX.