Moving from Killeen, TX to Elizabeth, NJ
Moving from Killeen, TX to Elizabeth, NJ is a 1690 mi cross-country relocation — about 30h 39m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1690 mi · 30h 39m by car · TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → AR → TN → VA → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Dallas, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 23.5% higher overall in Elizabeth vs Killeen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Elizabeth: 23.5% above Killeen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Killeen | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 46.6" |
Elizabeth is 11.1°F cooler on the annual average (66.6°F vs 55.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 30 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 23.5% above Killeen ($58,339 → $63,874, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Elizabeth averages 31.5 in annually vs 0.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1°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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 23.5% higher than Killeen (112.563 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 1690 mi and the route typically takes 30h 39m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Killeen and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 66.6°F in Killeen (11.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 34.8 in.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1690 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $219,957 in Killeen — a 143.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $58,339 in Killeen — a 9.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX · Elizabeth, NJ.