A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
19%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Killeen Texas National
Cost of living9494100
Groceries9998100
Health care10198100
Housing8183100
Transportation9698100
Utilities105103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10298100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Killeen, TX

Knowing the cost of living in Killeen allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Killeen stands at 94, marking it 6% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Killeen closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Killeen can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Killeen?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 13 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Killeen. The results indicated that 77% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 23% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Killeen Affordable?

Is Killeen an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Killeen, the median home price is 26.6% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 0.5% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Killeen come in at $74,820, which is 8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Killeen?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Killeen starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Killeen, the utilities index registers 4.8% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Killeen, the groceries index is 1.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Killeen shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Killeen is equal to the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Killeen is 6% lower than the national average
  • Killeen housing is 19% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Killeen

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Compare Killeen, TX Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$100,119$8,343$2,336$3,004
      Renters$60,654$5,055$1,415$1,820
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Killeen, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Killeen, the median monthly income is $100,119 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,336 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $60,654, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,415 on monthly rental expenses.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Copperas Cove, TX33,796909.6%
      Nolanville, TX5,920945.9%
      Kempner, TX1,091954.8%
      Belton, TX22,671963.7%
      Harker Heights, TX32,8201021.6%
      Killeen, TX152,944946.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Joliet, IL152,1371022.4%
      Bellevue, WA151,975203103.2%
      Escondido, CA153,94115049.9%
      Naperville, IL151,58213332.6%
      Rockford, IL151,1698713.5%
      Killeen, TX152,944946.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.