Moving from Tulsa, OK to Amarillo, TX
The 368 mi from Tulsa to Amarillo translate to about 6h 20m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
368 mi · 6h 20m by car · OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, US 270 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Norman, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Amarillo and Tulsa is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Tulsa and Amarillo are within 5% of each other ($217,450 vs $206,787 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | — |
Annual average temperatures in Tulsa (61.3°F) and Amarillo (56.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.56 |
Income steps up 2.9%: $58,407 in Tulsa 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 Oklahoma 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 7.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 4.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 2.9% higher than Tulsa (91.82 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa 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 368 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 368 mi and the route typically takes 6h 20m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 2 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 Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK · Amarillo, TX.