Moving from Salt Lake City to Amarillo (2026)
Amarillo has a COL index of 80 vs 107 for Salt Lake City (100 = US average). You'd pay about 25% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Amarillo to match your Salt Lake City lifestyle
Based on the 25% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Salt Lake City | Equivalent in Amarillo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $29,907 |
| $50K | $37,383 |
| $60K | $44,860 |
| $75K | $56,075 |
| $80K | $59,813 |
| $100K | $74,766 |
| $120K | $89,720 |
| $150K | $112,150 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Salt Lake City vs Amarillo
| Expense | Salt Lake City | Amarillo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $950 |
| Groceries | $372 | $346 |
| Transport | $90 | $38 |
| Utilities | $150 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,075 | $3,177 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $808 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Salt Lake City — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amarillo cheaper than Salt Lake City?
Yes. Amarillo has a cost of living index of 80 vs 107 for Salt Lake City (100 = US average). That's about 25% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Salt Lake City to Amarillo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Salt Lake City to Amarillo saves roughly $1,044/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,528/year.
What salary do I need in Amarillo to match my Salt Lake City lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Salt Lake City, you'd need roughly $56,075/year in Amarillo. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only