Moving from Killeen, TX to Surprise, AZ
A move from Killeen, TX to Surprise, AZ covers 1052 mi and around 18h 18m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1052 mi · 18h 18m by car · TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 190, RM 864 |
| Major cities en route | El Paso, Las Cruces, Tucson, Chandler, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Surprise | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.132 in Killeen to 103.316 in Surprise, a 13.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Surprise: 13.4% above Killeen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Surprise -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Killeen | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 9.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Surprise — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 149,519 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $93,371 |
| Median age | 30 | 41.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Surprise is 13.4% above Killeen ($58,339 vs $93,371, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Surprise MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Surprise average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Surprise sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Surprise?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,371 in Surprise vs $58,339 in Killeen — a 60.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Surprise?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1052 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Killeen and Surprise?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Surprise vs 66.6°F in Killeen (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 34.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Surprise compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $422,473 in Surprise vs $219,957 in Killeen — a 92.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Surprise compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Surprise MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Surprise, AZ from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 1052 mi and the route typically takes 18h 18m via I 10 and US 190. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Surprise more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Surprise is 13.4% higher than Killeen (103.316 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 · Surprise, AZ.