Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Killeen, TX
It is 687 mi between Tuscaloosa and Killeen β roughly 12h 43m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
687 mi Β· 12h 43m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, TX 31 |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Tyler, Shreveport, Jackson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Tuscaloosa to Killeen β $228,947 vs $219,957 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 34.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Killeen β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.61 |
Killeen households earn about 3.9% more than Tuscaloosa at the median β $48,536 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 Alabama 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 687 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 Tuscaloosa vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 20.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 3.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Killeen more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 3.9% higher than Tuscaloosa (91.132 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Killeen, TX from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 687 mi and the route typically takes 12h 43m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 4 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 Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Killeen, TX.