Moving from Killeen, TX to Little Rock, AR
It is a 466 mi drive, roughly 8h 7m, between Killeen, TX and Little Rock, AR. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
466 mi · 8h 7m by car · AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Allen, Mckinney, Garland, Plano, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
Killeen and Little Rock sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Little Rock ($216,519) sits close to Killeen ($219,957) — no material housing gap.
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Killeen | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 50.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 66.6°F vs 61.7°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 3.8 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 30 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.33 |
Household income lines up — $58,339 vs $60,583 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Little Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,980 | $37,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,840 | $37,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,830 | $31,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 30,330 | $67,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 29,950 | $27,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Arkansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arkansas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Little Rock average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Little Rock averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tornado risk peaks April through May — identify a safe room on day one.
- 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 Arkansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Killeen and Little Rock?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Little Rock vs 66.6°F in Killeen (4.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.8 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 34.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $219,957 in Killeen — a 1.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Little Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 466 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Little Rock, AR from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 466 mi and the route typically takes 8h 7m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $58,339 in Killeen — a 3.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 1.9% lower than Killeen (89.364 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 · Little Rock, AR.