Moving from Lincoln, NE to Killeen, TX
A move from Lincoln, NE to Killeen, TX covers 779 mi and around 13h 44m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
779 mi · 13h 44m by car · NE → KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 81, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Mckinney |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lincoln (91.581) and Killeen (91.132) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Killeen: 0.5% below Lincoln on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 34.8" |
Killeen runs 14.3°F warmer on the annual average (52.3°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Killeen — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.61 |
Median household income in Killeen is 0.5% below Lincoln ($69,991 → $58,339, ACS 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 Nebraska 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.3°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 the job market in Killeen compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln 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 779 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Killeen more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 0.5% lower than Lincoln (91.132 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 24.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Killeen, TX from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 779 mi and the route typically takes 13h 44m via I 35 and US 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Lincoln and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 52.3°F in Lincoln (14.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 26.0 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 29.3 in.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 16.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Killeen, TX.