Moving from Cape Coral, FL to Brownsville, TX
A move from Cape Coral, FL to Brownsville, TX covers 1450 mi and around 26h 43m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1450 mi Β· 26h 43m by car Β· FL β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 75, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Lakeland, Gainesville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cape Coral | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.349 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.901 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.113 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 102.349 to 85.975, putting Brownsville roughly 16.0% below Cape Coral on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Brownsville: 16.0% below Cape Coral on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cape Coral -8.4%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cape Coral | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 54Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 57.4" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT MYERS PAGE FLD AP, FL US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cape Coral | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,387 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $76,062 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 48.7 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.7% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 3.21 |
Median household income in Brownsville is 16.0% below Cape Coral ($76,062 vs $48,675, ACS 5-year 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.
Moving between Florida and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Cape Coral?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $338,302 in Cape Coral β a 42.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Cape Coral, FL?
The driving distance is 1450 mi and the route typically takes 26h 43m via I 10 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cape Coral vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $76,062 in Cape Coral β a 36.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Cape Coral?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $43,330 in the Cape Coral MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 290,450 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Cape Coral?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 16.0% lower than Cape Coral (85.975 vs 102.349, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cape Coral to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1450 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 Cape Coral.
City profiles: Cape Coral, FL Β· Brownsville, TX.