Amarillo's 2026 cost of living is $2215 per month for singles and $4877 per month for families of four.
Living costs in Amarillo are 11% lower than the U.S. national average and 50% higher than Texas's state average.
This reflects a 1% increase from 2025.
The primary drivers of Amarillo's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.
See how Amarillo's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.
Cost of Living Calculator
How does Amarillo's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?
Living in Amarillo is less expensive than the national average,
with housing costs 34.8 % lower at $782
per month for a single person and $1433 per month for a family of four.
Food expenses run 18.6 %
below average at $325
monthly for an individual and $1058 for a family,
while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 22.5 % lower at about $678 per month
for one person and $1510 for a household.
These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $1785
for a single person and $4001 for a family of four,
making Amarillo one of America's least expensive cities.
How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Amarillo?
Amarillo's 2025 cost of living is 111% lower than San Francisco,
60% less than Washington, 31% below Miami
, 26% lower than Chicago, 71% less than Boston
, and 96% below New York.
Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Amarillo.
Amarillo (/ˌæməˈrɪloʊ/ AM-ə-RIL-oh) is the 14th-most populous city in the state of Texas, United States. It is also the largest city in the Texas Panhandle, and the seat of Potter County. A portion of the city extends into Randall County. The estimated population was 199,826 as of 2017. The Amarillo metropolitan area has an estimated population of 276,020 in four counties as of 2017. The metro population is projected to surpass 310,000 in 2020.
Amarillo, originally named Oneida, is situated in the Llano Estacado region. The availability of the railroad and freight service provided by the Fort ...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the cost of living in Amarillo, TX
If I plan on eating out occasionally will it be affordable in Amarillo, TX?
Amarillo, Texas going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food is considered to be affordable. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your overall cost of living in Amarillo, TX. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Amarillo, TX?
Amarillo, TX does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2026-07-27salary.com)
How much is the average price of internet in Amarillo, TX?
The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Amarillo, TX. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Is the cost of electricity in Amarillo, Texas expected to change in the future?
The cost of electricity in Texas has gone up by 1.883% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. (2026-07-27salary.com)
What kind of child care is available in Amarillo, Texas and what is the cost?
The estimated average annual cost for child care in Amarillo, Texas (based on state average), is $8759. This cost is ranked NO. 31 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Amarillo,TX?
In Amarillo,TX, my friend pays $580 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there fun things to in Amarillo, Texas that are free or don’t cost a lot?
Looks for areas of Amarillo, Texas where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Amarillo, TX to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Amarillo, Texas?
The sales tax for Amarillo is 6.25%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Cost of living in Amarillo, Texas is important, but what about the weather?
The weather in Amarillo is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Amarillo is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Amarillo, Texas. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Can you save money using public transport?
You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.