Moving from Madison, WI to Killeen, TX
It is 1167 mi between Madison and Killeen β roughly 21h 5m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1167 mi Β· 21h 5m by car Β· WI β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.3% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Killeen at 91.132 vs Madison at 97.287.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.3% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $219,957 moving to Killeen.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 34.8" |
Expect 19.4Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Killeen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.61 |
Killeen households earn about 6.3% less than Madison at the median β $76,983 β $58,339 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Killeen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,840 | $37,540 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,620 | $26,660 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 14,700 | $81,360 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,820 | $37,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 12,710 | $59,740 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Killeen average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Madison to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1167 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 Madison vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $76,983 in Madison β a 24.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $423,767 in Madison β a 48.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Killeen more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 6.3% lower than Madison (91.132 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Killeen, TX from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 1167 mi and the route typically takes 21h 5m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 6 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Killeen, TX.