Moving from Mesquite, TX to Killeen, TX
Relocating between Mesquite, TX and Killeen, TX is a 161 mi drive β 2h 53m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
161 mi Β· 2h 53m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 190, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Killeen at 91.132 vs Mesquite at 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 11.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 34.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Mesquite (66.0Β°F) and Killeen (66.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Killeen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.61 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.6% lower in Killeen than Mesquite.
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.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Killeen average 96Β°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
Is Killeen more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 11.6% lower than Mesquite (91.132 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Killeen, TX from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 161 mi and the route typically takes 2h 53m via I 35 and US 190. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 161 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 16.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 18.8% 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 Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Killeen, TX.