71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Amarillo wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Amarillo wins 1–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Amarillo is more affordable
💼 Amarillo has lower unemployment
🛡️ Amarillo has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Amarillo — The Verdict
Amarillo scores 72.8/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Amarillo has a clear edge with home prices 27% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Amarillo has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Amarillo may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Amarillo are 27% lower — a difference of $62,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Amarillo saves you $238/month — that's $2,856 per year.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 23 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Amarillo has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$172,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$997
Median Income
$60,440
$60,628
The affordability gap is significant — Amarillo offers home prices 27% lower than Houston, translating to $62,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
35 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 23 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
12
Amarillo has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Amarillo: Common Questions
Is Houston or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Amarillo is more affordable overall. Home prices are $62,300 lower in Amarillo. Monthly rent is $997 in Amarillo vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Amarillo have better weather?
Amarillo scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Amarillo better for finding a job?
Amarillo currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Amarillo. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $60,628 in Amarillo.
Which city is safer — Houston or Amarillo?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Amarillo is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Amarillo. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Amarillo.
Should I move from Houston to Amarillo?
Based on our data, Amarillo scores 72.8/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Amarillo is more affordable, while Amarillo has a better climate.
Planning to move from Houston to Amarillo?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.