Moving from Providence, RI to Killeen, TX
Moving from Providence, RI to Killeen, TX is a 1882 mi cross-country relocation — about 34h 41m of driving through 10 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.
1882 mi · 34h 41m by car · RI → CT → NY → NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → CT → NY → NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 101.773 to 91.132, putting Killeen roughly 10.5% below Providence on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Killeen: 10.5% below Providence on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 34.8" |
Killeen runs 14.5°F warmer on the annual average (52.1°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Killeen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Killeen is 10.5% below Providence ($66,772 → $58,339, 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 Rhode Island 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- 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 (14.5°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 Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $426,007 in Providence — a 48.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Killeen more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 10.5% lower than Providence (91.132 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Killeen, TX from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 1882 mi and the route typically takes 34h 41m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Providence vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $66,772 in Providence — a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Providence and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 52.1°F in Providence (14.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 47.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Providence 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 1882 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Killeen, TX.