Moving from Abilene, TX to Killeen, TX
Moving from Abilene, TX to Killeen, TX covers 185 mi and about 3h 36m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
185 mi · 3h 36m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 84, US 183, US 190 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Killeen and Abilene are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.364 vs 91.132); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 34.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 65.9°F vs 66.6°F per NOAA 1991–2020 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 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Killeen is 0.8% below Abilene ($62,720 → $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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 65.9°F in Abilene (0.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 25.2 in.
When is the best time to move from Abilene 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 185 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 7.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Killeen more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 0.8% higher than Abilene (91.132 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Killeen, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 185 mi and the route typically takes 3h 36m via US 84 and US 183. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 4.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Killeen, TX.