Moving from Killeen, TX to Columbus, OH
Relocating 1195 mi from Killeen to Columbus 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
| Killeen | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 4.8% above Killeen β $219,957 β $245,979 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Killeen | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 44.7" |
Expect 13.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 30 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.34 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.8% higher in Columbus than Killeen.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $58,339 in Killeen β a 12.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbus more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 4.8% higher than Killeen (95.469 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Columbus?
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.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $219,957 in Killeen β a 11.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Columbus, OH from Killeen, TX?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX Β· Columbus, OH.