Moving from Des Moines, IA to Killeen, TX
A move from Des Moines, IA to Killeen, TX covers 884 mi and around 15h 32m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
884 mi · 15h 32m by car · IA → MO → KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Killeen and Des Moines are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.701 vs 91.132); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.6% higher in Killeen than Des Moines as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 34.8" |
NOAA normals show Killeen running 15.7°F above Des Moines on the annual mean.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Killeen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Killeen is 0.6% below Des Moines ($63,966 → $58,339, ACS 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 Iowa 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.
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 (15.7°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
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 5.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 8.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Killeen more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 0.6% lower than Des Moines (91.132 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 884 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (15.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 36.6 in.
How far is Killeen, TX from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 884 mi and the route typically takes 15h 32m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Killeen, TX.