Moving from Carmel to Amarillo (2026)
Amarillo has a COL index of 80 vs 98 for Carmel (100 = US average). You'd pay about 18% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$516/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9880
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,450$950
per month
State tax
3.2%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,541$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Amarillo to match your Carmel lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Carmel | Equivalent in Amarillo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,653 |
| $50K | $40,816 |
| $60K | $48,980 |
| $75K | $61,224 |
| $80K | $65,306 |
| $100K | $81,633 |
| $120K | $97,959 |
| $150K | $122,449 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Carmel vs Amarillo
| Expense | Carmel | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,541 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,450 | $950 |
| Groceries | $376 | $346 |
| Transport | $40 | $38 |
| Utilities | $152 | $170 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,461 | $3,177 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Amarillo cheaper than Carmel?
Yes. Amarillo has a cost of living index of 80 vs 98 for Carmel (100 = US average). That's about 18% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Carmel to Amarillo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Carmel to Amarillo could save roughly $516/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,192/year.
What salary do I need in Amarillo to match my Carmel lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Carmel, you'd need roughly $61,224/year in Amarillo. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Amarillo to CarmelCarmel vs Amarillo — full comparisonCarmel cost of livingAmarillo cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only