Key factors that influence moving costs from Amarillo to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Amarillo movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Amarillo to Tucson might cost just $1,473 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,300 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Amarillo, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $603 and $1,533, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Amarillo to Tucson

Moving from Amarillo to Tucson comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Tucson is generally more expensive than Amarillo, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Amarillo Tucson
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,295
Average home value $193,956 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $61,333 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $1,911 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,721 $6,043
Unemployment rate 4.9% 7.4%
Sales tax 8.25% 8.7%
State income tax 0.0% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 8% higher than in Amarillo, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 Tucson are 68.7% higher than in Amarillo.
  • Income is the same in Tucson and Amarillo. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tucson, since the cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 25.1% higher than in Amarillo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Tucson, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 28.0% higher than in Amarillo.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 51.02% higher than in Amarillo.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tucson are 5.45% higher than in Amarillo.
  • State income taxes in Tucson are 2.50% higher than in Amarillo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,751.96 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Amarillo.

How life is different in Amarillo vs. Tucson

Tucson Amarillo
Population 542,629 308,297
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 2
Walkability score 43 40
Bike friendliness score 66 42
Crime Index 54.43 25.31
Safety Index 45.57 74.69
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tucson is about 76% greater than Amarillo, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Tucson offers better access to buses and trains than Amarillo, based on public transportation ratings. Tucson has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 2 in Amarillo. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Youโ€™ll find Tucson to be about as walkable as Amarillo. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 43 and 40 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Amarillo in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tucson has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, while Amarillo is rated as 42 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Tucson is higher than in Amarillo, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 54.43 in Tucson, it is 25.31 in Amarillo. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Tucson. With a crime index of 45.57, Tucson ranks lower in overall safety than Amarillo, whose index is Amarillo's 74.69. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Tucson and Amarillo is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Amarillo vs. Tucson move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Arizona doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Tucson without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Tucson

With your sights set on "Old Pueblo", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tucson.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Armory Park
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Old Fort Lowell
  • El Presidio
  • Sam Hughes

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Armory Park
  • Broadmoor-Broadway
  • Catalina Foothills
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Sam Hughes

Things to do in Tucson

After settling into your new Arizona home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tucson has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Tucson is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Tucson?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Amarillo to Tucson. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Amarillo.

When is the cheapest time to move from Amarillo to Tucson?

Because spring and fall moves from Amarillo to Tucson are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Amarillo to Tucson take?

Covering 679 miles, the move from Amarillo, TX to Tucson, AZ typically takes one to six days. Some Amarillo movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTucson can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources