Killeen vs Evansville for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Killeen Texas | Evansville Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $850 | $800Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,400 | $1,300Better |
| Median home price | $215K | $185KBetter |
| Median household income | $50KBetter | $48K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,079 | $1,040Better |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 3.2% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3% | 7%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $170 | $152Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 92Better | 93 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Killeen or Evansville?
Killeen and Evansville are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Killeen vs Evansville?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,400/month in Killeen and $1,300/month in Evansville. Evansville is 7% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Killeen or Evansville?
The price-to-income ratio in Killeen is 4.3× ($215K median home, $50K median income). In Evansville it's 3.9× ($185K home, $48K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Evansville is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Killeen vs Evansville?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,079/month in Killeen and $1,040/month in Evansville, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$468/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Killeen (Texas) has no state income tax vs Evansville's 3.2% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $320/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Killeen has the same purchasing power as $96K in Evansville
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026