Moving from Mesa, AZ to Killeen, TX
Relocating 1012 mi from Mesa to Killeen is a 17h 33m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1012 mi Β· 17h 33m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, US 190 |
| Major cities en route | Scottsdale, Gilbert, Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 11.8% moving from Mesa to Killeen β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $435,134 in Mesa to $219,957 in Killeen, a 11.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 34.8" |
Expect 5.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Killeen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E MESA, AZ US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.61 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.8% β $78,779 β $58,339 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Arizona 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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.
- 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
How far is Killeen, TX from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 1012 mi and the route typically takes 17h 33m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Killeen more expensive than Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 11.8% lower than Mesa (91.132 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Mesa vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 25.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 49.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1012 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Killeen, TX.