Moving from Columbus, OH to Killeen, TX
Relocating 1195 mi from Columbus to Killeen is a 21h 22m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1195 mi Β· 21h 22m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 30, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Cincinnati, Memphis, Little Rock, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 95.469 vs 91.132 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 4.5% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 34.8" |
Expect 13.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Killeen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 33 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.61 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.5% lower in Killeen than Columbus.
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 Ohio 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.
Winter driving along this route
- 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 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 (13.8Β°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
Is Killeen more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 4.5% lower than Columbus (91.132 vs 95.469, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $47,970 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 1,067,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $245,979 in Columbus β a 10.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Killeen, TX from Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 1195 mi and the route typically takes 21h 22m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $65,327 in Columbus β a 10.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1195 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 Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, OH Β· Killeen, TX.