Moving from Killeen, TX to Paterson, NJ
Moving from Killeen, TX to Paterson, NJ is a 1699 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 49m of driving through 8 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.
1699 mi Β· 30h 49m by car Β· NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Killeen | Paterson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.132 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.242 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.884 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 23.5% higher overall in Paterson vs Killeen on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Paterson: 23.5% above Killeen on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Killeen -1.3%, Paterson +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Killeen | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.8" | β |
Paterson is 13.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (66.6Β°F vs 53.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KILLEEN, TX US, LITTLE FALLS, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Killeen | Paterson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,144 | 157,660 |
| Median household income | $58,339 | $53,766 |
| Median age | 30 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.2% | 9.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.61 | 3.17 |
Median household income in Paterson is 23.5% below Killeen ($58,339 β $53,766, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Paterson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see 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 (13.5Β°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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Paterson compared to Killeen?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $528,882 in Paterson vs $219,957 in Killeen β a 140.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Paterson, NJ from Killeen, TX?
The driving distance is 1699 mi and the route typically takes 30h 49m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Killeen to Paterson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1699 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Paterson more expensive than Killeen?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Paterson is 23.5% higher than Killeen (112.563 vs 91.132, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Killeen vs Paterson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,766 in Paterson vs $58,339 in Killeen β a 7.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Paterson compare to Killeen?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Paterson MSA vs $42,230 in the Killeen MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 147,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Killeen.
City profiles: Killeen, TX Β· Paterson, NJ.