Moving from Cambridge, MA to Killeen, TX

Moving from Cambridge, MA to Killeen, TX is a 1908 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 35h 15m 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.

1908 mi Β· 35h 15m by car Β· TX β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ VA β†’ WV β†’ PA β†’ NJ β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA

COL -15.8% Home values -78.9% Ξ” +15.4Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1908 mi
Drive time
35h 15m
States
10
Fuel (25 mpg)
76 gal
Route throughTX β†’ AR β†’ TN β†’ VA β†’ WV β†’ PA β†’ NJ β†’ NY β†’ CT β†’ MA
Primary highwaysI 40, I 81, I 30
Major cities en routeWaco, Dallas, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

CambridgeKilleenU.S. avg
All items (RPP)108.26691.132100.0
Rents148.76881.242100.0
Goods99.65193.757100.0
Services148.42477.884100.0

RPP moves from 108.266 to 91.132, putting Killeen roughly 15.8% below Cambridge on the overall price level.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Cambridge β€” typical home
$1,041,569
Killeen β€” typical home
$219,957
Cambridge β€” typical rent
$3,456/mo
Killeen β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo

Homes run dramatically cheaper in Killeen: 15.8% below Cambridge on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsCambridgeKilleen
Annual avg temperature51Β°F67Β°F
January avg low19Β°F36Β°F
July avg high85Β°F96Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitation49.4"34.8"

Major climate step-up: 15.4Β°F warmer annual average in Killeen vs Cambridge.

Effectively snow-free year in Killeen β€” NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, KILLEEN, TX US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023CambridgeKilleen
Population117,794156,144
Median household income$126,469$58,339
Median age30.530
Bachelor's degree or higher29.8%16.2%
Avg household size2.382.61

Median household income in Killeen is 15.8% below Cambridge ($126,469 vs $58,339, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Cambridge MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Killeen MSA β€” median wage
$42,230
Cambridge MSA β€” employment
β€”
Killeen MSA β€” employment
147,020

Top occupations in Killeen MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Massachusetts and Texas

Massachusetts income tax
9% top marginal
Texas income tax
no state income tax

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 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

  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
  • Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β€” check 511NY.

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 96Β°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 (15.4Β°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 does household income compare in Cambridge vs Killeen?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $126,469 in Cambridge β€” a 53.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Killeen, TX from Cambridge, MA?

The driving distance is 1908 mi and the route typically takes 35h 15m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is Killeen more expensive than Cambridge?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 15.8% lower than Cambridge (91.132 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Cambridge?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β€” a 78.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

When is the best time to move from Cambridge 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 1908 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” 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 Cambridge.

City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Killeen, TX.

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