Moving from Wichita, KS to Amarillo, TX
The 385 mi from Wichita to Amarillo translate to about 7h 13m behind the wheel through 3 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.
385 mi · 7h 13m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, US 412, I 35 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Amarillo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 91.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 83.474 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 78.38 | 100.0 |
Amarillo and Wichita are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.946 vs 91.82); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Amarillo +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wichita | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | — |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 57.7°F vs 56.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 200,945 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $62,469 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 17% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.56 |
Household income lines up — $63,072 vs $62,469 on ACS 5-year 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.
Moving between Kansas 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 Wichita vs Amarillo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,469 in Amarillo vs $63,072 in Wichita — a 1.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Amarillo compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 120,310 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Amarillo more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Amarillo is 3.2% higher than Wichita (91.82 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Amarillo compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $206,787 in Amarillo vs $202,720 in Wichita — a 2.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Amarillo, TX from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 385 mi and the route typically takes 7h 13m via US 60 and US 412. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Wichita 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 385 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS · Amarillo, TX.