Moving from Worcester, MA to Killeen, TX
Cross-country relocations like Worcester, MA → Killeen, TX cover 1877 mi and about 34h 36m of driving through 10 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1877 mi · 34h 36m by car · MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA → WV → VA → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Killeen | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 91.132 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 81.242 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 77.884 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Killeen are 11.1% below Worcester — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Killeen typical home at $219,957 is 11.1% under Worcester at $430,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 34.8" |
NOAA normals show Killeen running 18.5°F above Worcester on the annual mean.
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: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, KILLEEN, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 156,144 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $58,339 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 30 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 16.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.61 |
Income steps down 11.1%: $67,544 in Worcester vs $58,339 in Killeen.
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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.5°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 far is Killeen, TX from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1877 mi and the route typically takes 34h 36m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Killeen?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Killeen vs 48.1°F in Worcester (18.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 34.8 in vs 48.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Killeen compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 48.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 1877 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Killeen more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 11.1% lower than Worcester (91.132 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Killeen?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 13.6% 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Killeen, TX.