In this comparison, we'll be examining the differences between living in the suburban, mountainous landscape of East San Gabriel Valley, California with the rugged, wind-swept plains of Amarillo, Texas. The two regions offer divergent climates, economies, and other factors that could affect a relocation decision. Whether you're looking to permanently settle or just visit, both areas have unique offerings that make them pleasant in their own ways.
East San Gabriel Valley generally experiences a lower crime rate than Amarillo. While crime exists as it does anywhere, most areas are generally safe, and measures like neighborhood watch programs enhance security. Amarillo, on the other hand, has a higher than average crime rate compared to the rest of Texas and the USA, although some neighborhoods have significantly lower crime rates than others.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the East San Gabriel Valley is significantly higher than in Amarillo, mostly due to the housing prices. Everything from housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare tend to be more expensive in California compared to Texas. Amarillo, with its low cost of living, can be an attractive relocation option for those on a tighter budget.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax system, so living in East San Gabriel Valley could mean paying higher income tax. Texas, including Amarillo, does not impose a state income tax providing financial relief to residents.
Property Tax
While both areas impose property taxes, Texas rates are notably higher. Property tax in Amarillo, although high, often goes towards funding public schools and community services. In contrast, Californian property taxes are lower due to a law capping increases.
Sales Tax
California's state sales tax, applicable in East San Gabriel Valley, is substantially higher than that of Texas. Sales tax in Amarillo is lower, which can have a significant impact on cost of living over time.
Income
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Estimated median household income
$95,242
$55,572
Estimated per capita income
$34,474
$32,931
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
150.2
83.4
If you make $50,000 in Amarillo, you will have to make $90,048 in East San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, East San Gabriel Valley is located in a hilly and mountainous region, offering many outdoor recreational opportunities. Amarillo lies in the Llano Estacado region, known for its plains and canyons, and is close to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the U.S.
Geographical information
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Land area
212.6 sq. miles
89.9 sq. miles
Population density
4,478.5 people per sq. mile
2,239.3 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
East San Gabriel Valley, CA Amarillo, TX
Education
In terms of education, both areas have a reputable selection of schools. East San Gabriel Valley shines with its proximity to higher education institutions like California State University and University of Southern California. Amarillo, however, is home to Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University, offering a range of educational opportunities at a lower cost.
The East San Gabriel Valley, part of the larger Los Angeles County, has a diverse and robust economy with industries spanning entertainment, technology, healthcare, and education. Amarillo's economy, on the other hand, is rooted in meatpacking, oil production, and helium production with a growing healthcare sector.
Biggest Employers
In the East San Gabriel Valley, some of the biggest employers include Kaiser Permanente, the California state government, and various school districts. Amarillo's largest employers, by comparison, are Tyson Foods, the local school districts, and the city's medical center.
In East San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Amarillo (Potter County), 26.9% voted for Democrats and 71.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
2020
71.0%
29.8%
26.9%
68.5%
2.1%
1.7%
2016
72.0%
26.8%
22.5%
68.6%
5.5%
4.6%
2012
69.7%
26.9%
27.8%
71.5%
2.4%
1.5%
2008
69.2%
29.8%
28.8%
69.3%
1.9%
0.8%
2004
63.3%
25.8%
35.7%
73.8%
1.0%
0.4%
2000
63.6%
28.6%
32.4%
69.7%
4.0%
1.7%
1996
59.3%
35.3%
31.0%
57.1%
9.7%
7.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
CATHOLIC CHURCH
36.1%
13.1%
4.7%
5.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
39.3%
9.0%
21.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
2.1%
1.0%
0.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.0%
3.1%
0.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.4%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.0%
1.4%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.7%
1.6%
1.1%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.0%
0.9%
0.3%
2.9%
Weather
Weather is a major difference between the East San Gabriel Valley and Amarillo. East San Gabriel enjoys moderate, Mediterranean-like climate meaning there are warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Tourists often visit to enjoy this pleasant climate. However, Amarillo experiences a semi-arid climate with cold, dry winters and hot summers. High winds are frequent in Amarillo, and it also resides in the Tornado Alley.
Weather and climate
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Temperature - Average
62.7°F
57.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
64.7%
63.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
19.6%
39.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
70.7%
77.4%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
37.6%
Precipitation - Yearly average
19.1 in
19.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
31.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
28.3%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
13.7%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
79.3%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
65.5%
Wind speed - Average
3.7 mph
13.8 mph
Average climate in East San Gabriel Valley, California
Average climate in Amarillo, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
2018
143
62
0.36
N/A
14.1
N/A
29.2
N/A
0.007
N/A
29.6
N/A
13.4
6.1
0.3
0.4
2017
150
49
0.35
N/A
14.8
N/A
30.5
N/A
0.007
N/A
32.7
N/A
12.6
5.5
0.3
0.4
2016
141
43
0.31
N/A
15.5
N/A
29.3
N/A
0.007
N/A
30.3
N/A
12.0
5.2
0.3
0.3
2015
145
57
0.30
N/A
15.2
N/A
30.4
N/A
0.007
N/A
30.0
N/A
14.6
6.0
0.2
0.3
2014
142
58
0.32
N/A
16.8
N/A
29.7
N/A
0.008
N/A
33.6
N/A
11.7
6.5
0.3
0.4
2013
147
54
0.33
N/A
17.0
N/A
27.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
31.5
N/A
11.5
6.1
0.4
N/A
2012
149
53
0.39
N/A
18.3
N/A
27.5
N/A
0.005
N/A
30.9
N/A
15.6
6.8
0.6
N/A
2011
149
59
0.40
N/A
18.6
N/A
26.7
N/A
0.008
N/A
30.3
N/A
17.3
7.1
0.5
N/A
2010
139
48
0.44
N/A
19.3
N/A
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.6
N/A
14.8
5.9
0.4
N/A
2009
156
49
0.40
N/A
21.0
N/A
28.0
N/A
0.010
N/A
26.0
N/A
16.5
6.0
0.6
N/A
2008
156
55
0.48
N/A
22.7
N/A
27.7
N/A
0.012
N/A
27.0
N/A
15.1
6.7
1.0
N/A
2007
135
51
0.52
N/A
25.3
N/A
24.8
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.2
1.3
N/A
2006
128
53
0.55
N/A
25.1
N/A
24.0
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
1.9
N/A
2005
127
54
0.59
N/A
25.7
N/A
22.8
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.8
1.9
N/A
2004
132
N/A
0.68
N/A
25.4
N/A
24.6
N/A
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
2003
137
N/A
0.80
N/A
29.9
N/A
24.7
N/A
0.021
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2002
134
N/A
0.83
N/A
31.4
N/A
23.1
N/A
0.021
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2001
141
N/A
1.00
N/A
31.8
N/A
21.4
N/A
0.029
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
N/A
2000
150
N/A
1.05
N/A
34.7
N/A
20.7
N/A
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.5%
165.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,292.4%
640.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
14%
Transportation
The public transit in East San Gabriel Valley is robust, with an extensive bus and rail network. The commute there tends to be longer due to traffic in the metropolitan area. Amarillo, however, relies more on car travel, and while its public transportation is not as evolved, commute times are typically shorter.
Transport
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Amtrak stations nearby
3
0
FAA registered aircraft
0
351
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
11
Means of transportation to work
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Bicycle
0.6%
0.1%
Bus
2.9%
0.3%
Carpooled
17.1%
9.7%
Car alone
73.3%
87.5%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0.6%
0%
Taxicab
0%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Average
32.3 min
20.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in East San Gabriel Valley are markedly higher compared to Amarillo due to California's desirability and limited housing. You can expect lower prices in Amarillo, where housing is more readily available and affordable.
Neighborhoods
East San Gabriel Valley is known for its beautifully planned, family-friendly neighborhoods, each boasting its own charm. Neighborhoods in Amarillo are diverse, with options ranging from the historic areas to modern housing developments.
Houses and residents
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
Houses
270,240
89,810
Average household size (people)
3.5
2.6
Houses occupied
263,338 (97.4%)
82,129 (91.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
180,683 (68.6%)
48,900 (59.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
82,655 (31.4%)
33,229 (40.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,935
$656.72
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,138,428
$176,815
Estimated median house or condo value
$643,048
$163,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6
Renting percentage
32.3%
37.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,270.8
999.4
Household income disparities
40.3%
44.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
26,635 (16.4%)
487 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
515 (0.3%)
1,046 (3.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
136,243 (83.6%)
27,938 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
11,429 (7%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
21,150 (13%)
1,368 (4.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
4.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,753
6,649
State government workers
13,845
3,053
Unpaid family workers
1,494
0
Industries and Occupations
While both regions host a variety of industries, there's a distinct difference in focus. East San Gabriel Valley, situated in the technology and entertainment-rich state of California, offers more opportunities in IT, film, television and digital entertainment. Amarillo's economy, while diverse, leans more towards traditional industries like agriculture, oil and gas.
Both areas boast good healthcare facilities, but with differences. East San Gabriel Valley has access to several major hospitals and health centers within a short distance. Amarillo, though having fewer facilities, hosts one of the largest non-profit health care providers in Texas.
Health (county statistics)
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in the East San Gabriel Valley is well-developed, with numerous freeways and major airports nearby. In contrast, Amarillo, while it has good road connectivity, relies on a small international airport and lacks the extensive public transit system that California boasts.
Infrastructure
Type
East San Gabriel Valley
Amarillo
TV stations
24
12
Culture and Food
The East San Gabriel Valley offers diverse cultural experiences reflecting its varied demographic. Its dining scene features cuisine from all over the world, with a noted influence of Asian cuisines. Amarillo, in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, is known for its hearty southern cooking, particularly barbecued meats, and authentic Tex-Mex dishes.
Sports Teams
While there are no major sports teams based in East San Gabriel Valley, its residents support and enjoy the numerous Los Angeles-based teams. Amarillo is home to the Amarillo Sod Poodles, a Minor League Baseball team, and there's also a rich culture of high school football.
East San Gabriel Valley, CA
Amarillo, TX
