Moving from Houston, TX to Killeen, TX
The 198 mi from Houston to Killeen translate to about 3h 55m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
198 mi · 3h 55m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 6, TX 249 TOLL, FM 485 |
| Major cities en route | Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, College Station |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Houston | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Killeen are 7.6% below Houston — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 7.6% lower in Killeen than Houston as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Houston -2.9%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Houston | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 44°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.1" | 34.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 70.6°F vs 66.6°F per NOAA 1991–2020 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 1991–2020 (stations: HOUSTON-PORT, TX US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Houston | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,300,419 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $62,894 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.61 |
Income steps down 7.6%: $62,894 in Houston vs $58,339 in Killeen.
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.
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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Houston 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 198 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Killeen, TX from Houston, TX?
The driving distance is 198 mi and the route typically takes 3h 55m via TX 6 and TX 249 TOLL. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Houston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $46,960 in the Houston MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Houston vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $62,894 in Houston — a 7.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Killeen more expensive than Houston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 7.6% lower than Houston (91.132 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Houston and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 70.6°F in Houston (4.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 54.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Houston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $264,336 in Houston — a 16.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Houston.
City profiles: Houston, TX · Killeen, TX.