Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Amarillo, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Phoenix is 58% more expensive than Amarillo.

$1,458/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ↓ 28%
$77,041/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↓ 19%
$381,900 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$186,800 ↓ 51%
$1,430/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↓ 25%
1,624,832
Population
200,945

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $14,572/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Phoenix or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Amarillo?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Amarillo?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $14,572/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Phoenix details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Amarillo

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