Factors influencing moving costs from San Jose to Amarillotoggle

The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Jose to Amarillo can be as low as $1,407 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,094.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Jose, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $990 to $2,361. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Jose to Amarillo

Moving from San Jose to Amarillo means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Jose than in Amarillo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Jose compares to Amarillo so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Jose Amarillo
Average rent cost $3,095 $1,200
Average home value $1,453,657 $193,956
Average income (per capita) $83,421 $61,333
Cost of living (single person) $3,674 $1,911
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,354 $4,721
Unemployment rate 6.6% 4.9%
Sales tax 9.38% 8.25%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Amarillo are 61% lower than in San Jose, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Amarillo.
    Home prices in Amarillo are 86.7% lower than in San Jose.
  • Income in Amarillo is 26.5% lower than in San Jose, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Amarillo include BSA Health System, Northwest Texas Healthcare System, and Affiliated Foods.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Amarillo is 48.0% lower than in San Jose. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Amarillo is 43.5% lower than in San Jose.
  • The unemployment rate in Amarillo is 25.76% lower than in San Jose.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Amarillo, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Amarillo are 12.05% lower than in San Jose.
  • One perk of moving to Amarillo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Jose.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,560.42 in Amarillo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How life is different in San Jose vs. Amarillo

Amarillo San Jose
Population 308,297 971,233
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 7
Walkability score 40 51
Bike friendliness score 42 62
Crime Index 25.31 47.73
Safety Index 74.69 52.27
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Amarillo's population is about 68% less than San Jose.
  • Amarillo's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus San Jose's higher score of 7.
  • Amarillo is less walkable than San Jose with a score of 40 out of 100 vs San Jose's 51 out of 100.
  • Amarillo has a bike-friendliness score 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Jose, which has a score of 62 out of 100.
  • Amarillo's crime rate is lower than San Jose with a score of 25.31 compared to San Jose's 47.73. This means that Amarillo neighborhoods are safer than 25.31% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
  • Amarillo is considered to be safer than San Jose with a safety index of 74.69 vs San Jose's 52.27.
  • Air quality in Amarillo is good, and in San Jose it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Jose vs. Amarillo move

  • Weather: September, May and October are the most pleasant months in Amarillo, while December and January are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Amarillo. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Amarillo

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Yellow Rose of Texas", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Amarillo.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • San Jacinto Heights
  • Downtown Amarillo
  • Wolflin
  • Puckett
  • City View

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Puckett
  • Wolflin
  • The Colonies
  • City View

Things to do in Amarillo

Now that you've made the move to Texas, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Amarillo. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Amarillo, such as the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, Texas Air & Space Museum, Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, and Amarillo Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Amarillo Botanical Gardens, John Stiff Memorial Dog Park, Floating Mesa, and John Stiff Memorial Skatepark โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Amarillo Sod Poodles (Texas League) and Amarillo Wranglers (NAHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Jose to Amarillo?

The best time to move from San Jose to Amarillo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Jose.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Amarillo?

Because most people are moving from San Jose to Amarillo in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Jose to Amarillo take?

The 1,330-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Amarillo, TX, takes three to eight days. Some San Jose movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Amarillo.

Helpful moving resources