Is Amarillo expensive to live in?

Amarillo is considered very affordable, with a cost index of 89 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 11% less than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,245, and the median household income is $62,469.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Amarillo?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $49,800/year to afford median rent in Amarillo. The median household income is $62,469, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 24%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Amarillo?

The median rent in Amarillo is $1,245 per month. Housing costs score 73 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 27% cheaper than the US average.

How does Amarillo compare to the national average cost of living?

Amarillo's overall cost index is 89 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (73), food & groceries (87), transportation (85), utilities (82), and healthcare (92). Amarillo is below average in most categories, making it a strong value destination.

Is Amarillo, Texas a good place to live?

Amarillo has a population of 202,408 and a median household income of $62,469. With a cost index of 89, it offers strong affordability relative to the national average. The rent-to-income ratio is 24%, which is within healthy financial guidelines.

What are the cheapest cities near Amarillo?

To find the most affordable cities near Amarillo in Texas, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Texas state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Amarillo

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 89

Median rent: $1,245

Median income: $62,469

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About Amarillo

Living in Amarillo, Texas

Amarillo, Texas is a growing city with a population of approximately 202,408. The overall cost of living index sits at 89, which is below the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 11% less expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Amarillo. Median rent is $1,245 per month, while the median home price is $202,835. At a median household income of $62,469, rent consumes roughly 24% of gross income, which remains manageable relative to local incomes. The housing sub-index of 73 reflects well below-average housing expenses.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Amarillo with a sub-index of 92, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 82. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Texas applies a 0.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 1.60% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 8.19%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Amarillo has remained relatively stable. Among the 40 tracked cities in Texas, Amarillo ranks #2 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Amarillo actually costs.

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