Moving from Killeen, TX to Odessa, TX
Relocating between Killeen, TX and Odessa, TX is a 316 mi drive — 5h 58m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
316 mi · 5h 58m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, US 190, TX 158 |
| Major cities en route | Midland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Odessa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 93.896 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 82.86 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 89.709 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.132 vs 93.896 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Odessa +5.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Killeen | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 12.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Killeen (66.6°F) and Odessa (64.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Odessa gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, ODESSA, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Odessa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 114,080 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $73,030 |
| Median age | 30 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.54 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.0% — $58,339 → $73,030 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Odessa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,160 | $44,240 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 8,860 | $46,810 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 8,230 | $41,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 7,770 | $28,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,360 | $36,360 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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 Odessa average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Odessa sees only 12.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Killeen and Odessa?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Odessa vs 66.6°F in Killeen (2.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 12.3 in vs 34.8 in.
Is Odessa more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Odessa is 3.0% higher than Killeen (93.896 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Odessa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,030 in Odessa vs $58,339 in Killeen — a 25.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Odessa, TX from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 316 mi and the route typically takes 5h 58m via US 87 and US 190. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Odessa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 316 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Odessa compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $251,239 in Odessa vs $219,957 in Killeen — a 14.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Odessa compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,830 in the Odessa MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 76,440 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX · Odessa, TX.