Moving from Buffalo, NY to Killeen, TX
Cross-country relocations like Buffalo, NY → Killeen, TX cover 1520 mi and about 27h 35m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1520 mi · 27h 35m by car · NY → PA → OH → KY → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → OH → KY → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Buffalo | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.844 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 129.489 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.989 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Buffalo (95.844) and Killeen (91.132) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Killeen ZHVI at $219,957 is 4.9% below Buffalo at $238,089.
YoY change: Buffalo +3.8%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Buffalo | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 95.4" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 34.8" |
Major climate step-up: 17.8°F warmer annual average in Killeen vs Buffalo.
Effectively snow-free year in Killeen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BUFFALO, NY US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Buffalo | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 276,397 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $48,050 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.31 | 2.61 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.9% between Buffalo and Killeen (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 New York 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 (17.8°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 Buffalo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $238,089 in Buffalo — a 7.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Buffalo and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 48.8°F in Buffalo (17.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 95.4 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 40.7 in.
How does household income compare in Buffalo vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $48,050 in Buffalo — a 21.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Buffalo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $48,560 in the Buffalo MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 526,990 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Killeen more expensive than Buffalo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 4.9% lower than Buffalo (91.132 vs 95.844, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Killeen, TX from Buffalo, NY?
The driving distance is 1520 mi and the route typically takes 27h 35m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Buffalo 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 1520 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 Buffalo.
City profiles: Buffalo, NY · Killeen, TX.