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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $187/month more in Amarillo, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.2K in Amarillo, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 2.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$187
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$2.2K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Corpus Christi, TX

Population:318K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$177K

Amarillo, TX

Population:202K
Cost Index:
102
(2% above avg)
Median Home:$165K

Corpus Christi, TX

The Lone Star State

318K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 318K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Amarillo, TX

The Lone Star State

202K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 202K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Corpus Christi, TX vs Amarillo, TX

Other
↓ 4.1%
Corpus Christi, TX
$1,741
Amarillo, TX
$1,670
Difference
$70.63
less
Transportation
↑ 5.0%
Corpus Christi, TX
$1,284
Amarillo, TX
$1,348
Difference
$64.15
more
Housing
↑ 3.0%
Corpus Christi, TX
$2,053
Amarillo, TX
$2,114
Difference
$60.89
more
Groceries
↑ 5.3%
Corpus Christi, TX
$909
Amarillo, TX
$957
Difference
$48.08
more
Healthcare
↑ 4.1%
Corpus Christi, TX
$527
Amarillo, TX
$548
Difference
$21.82
more
All Utilities
↑ 3.0%
Corpus Christi, TX
$492
Amarillo, TX
$506
Difference
$14.68
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$889
↓ $131
1 Bed
From$1,100
To$1,030
↓ $70.00
2 Bed
From$1,350
To$1,264
↓ $86.00
3 Bed
From$1,770
To$1,719
↓ $51.00
Corpus Christi, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,020–$1,460/mo

Amarillo, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $860–$1,110/mo

πŸ’‘ Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,006
Monthly in Corpus Christi, TX
$7,145
Monthly in Amarillo, TX
$139
Difference

Home Values

Corpus Christi
Amarillo
$177K
Median Value
$165K
↓ -3%
YoY Change
↑ +1.3%
↑ +3.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.4%
$76K - $304K
Price Range
$106K - $375K

Homes in Amarillo are 7% less expensive than Corpus Christi

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
β†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Corpus Christi, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Amarillo, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Corpus Christi, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Amarillo, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

πŸ’‘ Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Corpus Christi
Amarillo
51 Moderate
Air Quality
23 Good
48.6%
Good Air Days
92.2%
97 High
Climate Risk
96 High
πŸŒŠπŸŒ€πŸŒ‘
Top Hazards
β˜€πŸŒͺπŸ’¨
β–²+2.2Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+3.2Β°F
52 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
78 days
β–²+2.2Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+3.2Β°F
52 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
78 days

What to Consider When Moving from Corpus Christi, TX to Amarillo, TX

Relocating from Corpus Christi, TX to Amarillo, TX involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 2% higher in Amarillo, TX, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Amarillo, TX is 3% more expensive than in Corpus Christi, TX. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Amarillo, TX pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Amarillo, TX to match your current standard of living in Corpus Christi, TX.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Amarillo, TX for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Corpus Christi, TX vs Amarillo, TX

Is Amarillo, TX cheaper than Corpus Christi, TX?

Amarillo, TX is approximately 2.5% more expensive than Corpus Christi, TX overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $187/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 3% more in Amarillo, TX.

What salary do I need in Amarillo, TX to match my lifestyle in Corpus Christi, TX?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Corpus Christi, TX, you would need approximately $152,249 in Amarillo, TX to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Corpus Christi, TX and Amarillo, TX?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,350/month in Corpus Christi, TX compared to $1,264/month in Amarillo, TX. One-bedroom apartments are $1,100/month in Corpus Christi, TX vs $1,030/month in Amarillo, TX. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Corpus Christi, TX or Amarillo, TX?

Groceries are about 5% more expensive in Amarillo, TX than in Corpus Christi, TX, which adds roughly $48.08/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Corpus Christi, TX to Amarillo, TX?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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