Moving from Newark, NJ to Killeen, TX
Moving from Newark, NJ to Killeen, TX is a 1689 mi cross-country relocation — about 30h 36m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1689 mi · 30h 36m by car · NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Killeen are 19.0% below Newark — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Killeen typical home at $219,957 is 19.0% under Newark at $478,455 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 34.8" |
Killeen runs 11.8°F warmer on the annual average (54.8°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Killeen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Killeen is 19.0% above Newark ($48,416 vs $58,339, ACS 5-year 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 New Jersey 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 — 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 96°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 (11.8°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
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $478,455 in Newark — a 54.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newark to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1689 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $48,416 in Newark — a 20.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Newark and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 54.8°F in Newark (11.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 50.4 in.
How far is Killeen, TX from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 1689 mi and the route typically takes 30h 36m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Killeen more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 19.0% lower than Newark (91.132 vs 112.563, 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 Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Killeen, TX.