Moving from Memphis, TN to Killeen, TX
It is 611 mi between Memphis and Killeen — roughly 10h 38m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
611 mi · 10h 38m by car · TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Mckinney, Garland, Allen, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Memphis 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 climbs from $144,710 in Memphis to $219,957 in Killeen, a 1.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 34.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.4°F vs 66.6°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Killeen sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.61 |
Households in Killeen earn about 1.1% 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 Tennessee 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
- 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
- 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
Is Killeen more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 1.1% lower than Memphis (91.132 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 13.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 63.4°F in Memphis (3.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 54.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 611 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Killeen, TX from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 611 mi and the route typically takes 10h 38m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 52.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Killeen, TX.