Moving from Killeen, TX to McAllen, TX
Moving from Killeen, TX to McAllen, TX covers 391 mi and about 6h 51m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
391 mi · 6h 51m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 281, TX 130 TOLL, I 69C |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | McAllen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 85.895 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 81.186 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 55.892 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in McAllen are 5.7% below Killeen — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, McAllen +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Killeen | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 76°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 49°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 98°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | 18.7" |
McAllen runs 8.9°F warmer on the annual average (66.6°F vs 75.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: McAllen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, MCALLEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | McAllen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 143,789 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $60,165 |
| Median age | 30 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 20.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 2.98 |
Household income lines up — $58,339 vs $60,165 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in McAllen MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 49,560 | $22,940 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 42,390 | $22,490 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,950 | $34,890 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 28,370 | $58,670 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,190 | $23,220 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in McAllen average 98°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How far is McAllen, TX from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 391 mi and the route typically takes 6h 51m via US 281 and TX 130 TOLL. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in McAllen compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $32,550 in the McAllen MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 285,850 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 McAllen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,165 in McAllen vs $58,339 in Killeen — a 3.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is McAllen more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in McAllen is 5.7% lower than Killeen (85.895 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in McAllen compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,001 in McAllen vs $219,957 in Killeen — a 4.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Killeen and McAllen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 75.5°F in McAllen vs 66.6°F in Killeen (8.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.1 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 18.7 in vs 34.8 in.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to McAllen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 391 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 Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX · McAllen, TX.