Moving from Killeen, TX to Dayton, OH
A move from Killeen, TX to Dayton, OH covers 1140 mi and around 20h 25m 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.
1140 mi · 20h 25m by car · TX → AR → TN → KY → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → KY → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Dayton and Killeen are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.132 vs 92.694); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Dayton typical home at $136,592 is 1.7% under Killeen at $219,957 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Killeen | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 41.7" |
Dayton is 13.3°F cooler on the annual average (66.6°F vs 53.3°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Significant snow at the destination: Dayton sees 12.3 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 30 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Dayton is 1.7% below Killeen ($58,339 vs $43,454, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.3°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Killeen and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 66.6°F in Killeen (13.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 34.8 in.
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $58,339 in Killeen — a 25.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 1.7% higher than Killeen (92.694 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 1140 mi and the route typically takes 20h 25m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $219,957 in Killeen — a 37.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1140 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 Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX · Dayton, OH.