Moving from Killeen, TX to Garland, TX
It is a 171 mi drive, roughly 3h 5m, between Killeen, TX and Garland, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
171 mi Β· 3h 5m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35E, I 35, I 635 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Garland | 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 |
Expect roughly 13.1% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $219,957 to $286,805 moving to Garland.
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Killeen | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 41.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Killeen (66.6Β°F) and Garland (65.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 30 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 3.04 |
Garland households earn about 13.1% more than Killeen at the median β $58,339 β $74,717 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland 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 Garland average 94Β°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 Garland compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland 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.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 171 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 Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $58,339 in Killeen β a 28.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $219,957 in Killeen β a 30.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Garland more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 13.1% higher than Killeen (103.09 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Garland, TX from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 171 mi and the route typically takes 3h 5m via I 35E and I 35. The trip crosses 1 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 Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX Β· Garland, TX.