El Paso vs Amarillo for Families (2026)
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
−$1,800/yr
Favoring Amarillo for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $150/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~100 months and still keep ~$18/mo for dining out.
Complete the Picture
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Cash-back card
Best cash-back cards for Amarillo
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High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while rates are high
Even $150/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Amarillo resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Housing savings
Amarillo saves ~$150/mo in rent
New city means new insurance rates — bundle home and auto before your move date to lock in the best price.
Make Your Move Count
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High-Yield Savings
Earn 4.5–5% APY on your relocation savings
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Mortgage
What can you afford in Amarillo?
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Home & Auto Insurance
New state = new rates — compare before you move
Insurance costs vary 30–40% by ZIP code. Get Amarillo quotes locked in before your move date or risk paying day-1 overprice.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | El Paso Texas | Amarillo Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / mo | $850 | $750Better |
| 2BR rent / mo | $1,400 | $1,250Better |
| Median home price | $215K | $200KBetter |
| Household income | $48K | $50KBetter |
| Childcare / mo | $1,040Better | $1,040 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax | 8.3%Better | 8.3% |
| Utilities / mo | $175 | $170Better |
| Groceries index | 91Better | 91 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — El Paso or Amarillo?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Amarillo scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,250/mo in Amarillo vs $1,400/mo. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in El Paso vs Amarillo?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,400/month in El Paso and $1,250/month in Amarillo. Amarillo is 11% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in El Paso or Amarillo?
The price-to-income ratio in El Paso is 4.5× ($215K median home, $48K median income). In Amarillo it's 4.0× ($200K home, $50K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Amarillo is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in El Paso vs Amarillo?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,040/month in El Paso and $1,040/month in Amarillo, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$0/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
El Paso (Texas) has no state income tax vs Amarillo has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $0/month in take-home pay.
$100K in El Paso has the same purchasing power as $100K in Amarillo
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026