Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Killeen, TX
Relocating 1452 mi from Chesapeake to Killeen is a 27h 26m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1452 mi Β· 27h 26m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 85, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.0% moving from Chesapeake to Killeen β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $420,756 in Chesapeake to $219,957 in Killeen, a 7.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 34.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.0Β°F vs 66.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Killeen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.61 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.0% β $94,189 β $58,339 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 Virginia 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in 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 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1452 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 47.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Killeen, TX from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 1452 mi and the route typically takes 27h 26m via I 20 and I 85. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 38.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Killeen more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 7.0% lower than Chesapeake (91.132 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Killeen, TX.