Moving from Killeen, TX to Albuquerque, NM

Relocating 656 mi from Killeen to Albuquerque is a 11h 56m drive through 2 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.

656 mi Β· 11h 56m by car Β· NM β†’ TX

COL +4.8% Home values +56.6% Ξ” -9.9Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
656 mi
Drive time
11h 56m
States
2
Fuel (25 mpg)
26 gal
Route throughNM β†’ TX
Primary highwaysUS 84, I 40, TX 153
Major cities en routeRio Rancho, Lubbock

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

Cost of living

KilleenAlbuquerqueU.S. avg
All items (RPP)91.13295.546100.0
Rents81.24277.852100.0
Goods93.75796.144100.0
Services77.88489.153100.0

Killeen and Albuquerque sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β€” the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.

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

Housing prices

Killeen β€” typical home
$219,957
Albuquerque β€” typical home
$344,457
Killeen β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo
Albuquerque β€” typical rent
$1,459/mo

Zillow ZHVI climbs from $219,957 in Killeen to $344,457 in Albuquerque, a 4.8% increase on the typical home value.

YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Albuquerque +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsKilleenAlbuquerque
Annual avg temperature67Β°F57Β°F
January avg low36Β°F21Β°F
July avg high96Β°F95Β°F
Annual snowfall0.0"β€”
Annual precipitation34.8"β€”

Expect 9.9Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, RIO GRANDE NATURE CTR, NM US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023KilleenAlbuquerque
Population156,144562,488
Median household income$58,339$65,604
Median age3038.7
Bachelor's degree or higher16.2%20.9%
Avg household size2.612.32

ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.8% higher in Albuquerque than Killeen.

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

Jobs & wages

Killeen MSA β€” median wage
$42,230
Albuquerque MSA β€” median wage
$44,780
Killeen MSA β€” employment
147,020
Albuquerque MSA β€” employment
396,030

Top occupations in Albuquerque MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 57,500 $39,300
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 36,930 $28,670
Sales and Related Occupations 33,230 $33,280
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 28,010 $38,960
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 26,950 $81,890

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Texas and New Mexico

Texas income tax
no state income tax
New Mexico income tax
5.9% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Mexico'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

  • Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 Albuquerque average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • 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 New Mexico after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Albuquerque, NM from Killeen, TX?

The driving distance is 656 mi and the route typically takes 11h 56m via US 84 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does the job market in Albuquerque compare to Killeen?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,780 in the Albuquerque MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 396,030 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How does household income compare in Killeen vs Albuquerque?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,604 in Albuquerque vs $58,339 in Killeen β€” a 12.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Killeen to Albuquerque?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 656 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How much do homes cost in Albuquerque compared to Killeen?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $344,457 in Albuquerque vs $219,957 in Killeen β€” a 56.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Albuquerque more expensive than Killeen?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Albuquerque is 4.8% higher than Killeen (95.546 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Killeen.

City profiles: Killeen, TX Β· Albuquerque, NM.

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