Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Killeen, TX
It is 632 mi between Las Cruces and Killeen — roughly 10h 57m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
632 mi · 10h 57m by car · TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 190, RM 864 |
| Major cities en route | El Paso |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Las Cruces and Killeen sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $290,023 in Las Cruces to $219,957 in Killeen, a 1.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Cruces | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.61 |
Households in Killeen earn about 1.0% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
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 New Mexico 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 — 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 Killeen average 96°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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 5.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Killeen more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 1.0% higher than Las Cruces (91.132 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 632 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 24.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Killeen, TX from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 632 mi and the route typically takes 10h 57m via I 10 and US 190. The trip crosses 2 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 Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · Killeen, TX.