Moving from Topeka, KS to Killeen, TX
The drive from Topeka, KS to Killeen, TX runs 634 mi β about 10h 57m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
634 mi Β· 10h 57m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Killeen and Topeka is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Killeen is 2.6% above Topeka ($219,957 vs $190,096 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 34.8" |
Climate warms by 11.7Β°F on the annual average β 54.9Β°F β 66.6Β°F.
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: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.61 |
Median household incomes in Topeka ($55,902) and Killeen ($58,339) are within a few percent (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 Kansas 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 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.7Β°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
Is Killeen more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 2.6% higher than Topeka (91.132 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Killeen?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 634 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 4.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Killeen compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Killeen, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 634 mi and the route typically takes 10h 57m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 15.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Killeen, TX.