Moving from Abilene, TX to Brownsville, TX
It is 530 mi between Abilene and Brownsville β roughly 9h 47m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 1 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
530 mi Β· 9h 47m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 83, US 281, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Mcallen, San Antonio |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.364 vs 85.975 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 4.9% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Abilene | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | β |
Annual temperature rises 8.5Β°F moving to Brownsville per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 3.21 |
Brownsville households earn about 4.9% less than Abilene at the median β $62,720 β $48,675 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Brownsville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 23,130 | $22,740 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 19,670 | $22,260 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,400 | $34,840 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,770 | $22,990 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 12,620 | $55,410 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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 Brownsville average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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.
Frequently asked
Is Brownsville more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 4.9% lower than Abilene (85.975 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 530 mi and the route typically takes 9h 47m via US 83 and US 281. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 530 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 Abilene vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $62,720 in Abilene β a 22.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $210,016 in Abilene β a 6.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX Β· Brownsville, TX.