Moving from Killeen, TX to Fort Worth, TX
The 149 mi from Killeen to Fort Worth translate to about 2h 41m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
149 mi Β· 2h 41m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287 BUS, I 35W, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Carrollton, Lewisville, Irving, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Fort Worth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.1% pricier overall in Fort Worth than Killeen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Fort Worth typical home at $298,051 is 13.1% above Killeen at $219,957 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Fort Worth -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Killeen | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 66.6Β°F vs 67.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 941,311 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $76,602 |
| Median age | 30 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.82 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.1% between Killeen and Fort Worth (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Worth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fort Worth average 97Β°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
How does the job market in Fort Worth compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Fort Worth compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $298,051 in Fort Worth vs $219,957 in Killeen β a 35.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fort Worth, TX from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 149 mi and the route typically takes 2h 41m via US 287 BUS and I 35W. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Fort Worth?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 149 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Fort Worth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,602 in Fort Worth vs $58,339 in Killeen β a 31.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Fort Worth more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Worth is 13.1% higher than Killeen (103.09 vs 91.132, 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 Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX Β· Fort Worth, TX.