Moving from Allentown, PA to Killeen, TX
It is 1613 mi and 29h 7m from Allentown to Killeen — a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1613 mi · 29h 7m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Dallas, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 8.8% cheaper overall in Killeen than Allentown on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.8% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 34.8" |
Expect 13.5°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Killeen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.61 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.8% higher in Killeen than Allentown.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Killeen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,840 | $37,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,620 | $26,660 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 14,700 | $81,360 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,820 | $37,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 12,710 | $59,740 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Killeen average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Killeen more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 8.8% lower than Allentown (91.132 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 53.1°F in Allentown (13.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 47.4 in.
How far is Killeen, TX from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1613 mi and the route typically takes 29h 7m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 29.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 9.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1613 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Killeen, TX.