Moving from Brownsville, TX to Newark, NJ

It is 1967 mi and 36h 34m from Brownsville to Newark β€” a cross-country move across 10 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.

1967 mi Β· 36h 34m by car Β· NJ β†’ PA β†’ WV β†’ VA β†’ TN β†’ GA β†’ AL β†’ MS β†’ LA β†’ TX

COL +30.9% Home values +144.1% Ξ” -19.6Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1967 mi
Drive time
36h 34m
States
10
Fuel (25 mpg)
79 gal
Route throughNJ β†’ PA β†’ WV β†’ VA β†’ TN β†’ GA β†’ AL β†’ MS β†’ LA β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 81, I 59, I 10
Major cities en routeNew York, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

BrownsvilleNewarkU.S. avg
All items (RPP)85.975112.563100.0
Rents81.15127.018100.0
Goods93.757110.261100.0
Services57.72148.616100.0

Newark is 30.9% more expensive than Brownsville on the BEA RPP β€” expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Brownsville β€” typical home
$195,993
Newark β€” typical home
$478,455
Brownsville β€” typical rent
$1,667/mo
Newark β€” typical rent
$2,127/mo

Zillow ZHVI climbs from $195,993 in Brownsville to $478,455 in Newark, a 30.9% increase on the typical home value.

YoY change: Brownsville +2.1%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsBrownsvilleNewark
Annual avg temperature74Β°F55Β°F
January avg low51Β°F25Β°F
July avg high92Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”28.2"
Annual precipitationβ€”50.4"

Annual average temperature drops 19.6Β°F β€” 74.4Β°F in Brownsville vs 54.8Β°F in Newark, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Significant snow at the destination: Newark sees 28.2 in a year on NOAA normals β€” budget for winter gear and plowing.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US, HARRISON, NJ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023BrownsvilleNewark
Population188,023307,188
Median household income$48,675$48,416
Median age30.934.8
Bachelor's degree or higher15.8%12.2%
Avg household size3.212.7

Household income lines up β€” $48,675 vs $48,416 on ACS 5-year 2023.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Brownsville MSA β€” median wage
$33,540
Newark MSA β€” median wage
$59,390
Brownsville MSA β€” employment
154,580
Newark MSA β€” employment
9,495,240

Top occupations in Newark MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 1,165,200 $50,760
Sales and Related Occupations 806,590 $46,160
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 755,900 $44,800
Healthcare Support Occupations 755,280 $37,670
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 725,930 $100,940

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Texas and New Jersey

Texas income tax
no state income tax
New Jersey income tax
10.75% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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 β€” 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

  • 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

  • Winter gear first: Newark averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
  • 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Newark, NJ from Brownsville, TX?

The driving distance is 1967 mi and the route typically takes 36h 34m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Brownsville?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $195,993 in Brownsville β€” a 144.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Brownsville vs Newark?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $48,675 in Brownsville β€” a 0.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Newark more expensive than Brownsville?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 30.9% higher than Brownsville (112.563 vs 85.975, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Newark compare to Brownsville?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 154,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

When is the best time to move from Brownsville to Newark?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1967 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brownsville.

City profiles: Brownsville, TX Β· Newark, NJ.

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