Skyline of Killeen
Cost of Living: 90 155,000

Killeen, TX, US

Central Texas city with Fort Hood and a strong military community.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Killeen is a city in TX with a population of 155,000. Central Texas city with Fort Hood and a strong military community. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 90

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 95

Affordable

Median Income $50,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.5%

Job market health

Killeen vs US Average

Cost of Living
Killeen: 90
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Killeen: 95
US Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 8.2%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $50,000
  • Unemployment: 4.5%
  • Population: 155,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 225/year
  • Summer High: 95°F
  • Winter Low: 40°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: $240,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1100/mo

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Cost of Living

Killeen's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100).

CategoryKilleenNational AverageDifference
Overall90100-10.0%
Housing95100-5.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$240,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft$160

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Killeen:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$88Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$37Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$24Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$65Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$309Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Killeen scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 90
Rent
— $1100
Sunny Days
— 225
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 4.5%
Climate
— 95°F / 40°F
Safety
— 5.8 homicides/100k
Population
— 155,000
Internet Speed
— 200 Mbps

Climate

Killeen has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January60°F40°F2.5"
April80°F55°F2.8"
July95°F70°F1.5"
October75°F58°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Killeen faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Wildfire High Risk

Frequent wildfire seasons.

Hurricane High Risk

Gulf Coast frequently affected by hurricanes.

Tornado High Risk

Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.

Flood High Risk

Coastal flooding and flash floods.

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms in western regions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 8.25%
  • Property Tax: ~1.8% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.

Schools & Education

47/100
School Quality Score
Better than 34% of US cities
?
39
Total Schools
10.3:1
Student:Teacher
94.4%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Demographics

The population of Killeen is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
3.9%
Black or African American
34.7%
Hispanic or Latino
27.5%
Native American
0.1%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.7%
Other
0.7%
Two or more races
6.3%
White
26.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
22.0%
High school graduate
27.5%
Less than high school
7.6%
Some college
42.8%

Religion

Christian
70.0%
Jewish
1.0%
Muslim
1.0%
Other
4.0%
Unaffiliated
24.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Killeen, TX, US?

The cost of living index in Killeen is 90, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Killeen?

The median home price in Killeen is $240,000. The housing index is 95.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Killeen is approximately $1100/mo.

Does Killeen, TX have income tax?

Killeen is in TX, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Killeen?

Killeen enjoys approximately 225 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 95°F, while winter lows can drop to around 40°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.