Moving from Centennial, CO to Brownsville, TX
The drive from Centennial, CO to Brownsville, TX runs 1189 mi β about 21h 26m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1189 mi Β· 21h 26m by car Β· TX β NM β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, I 25, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Lubbock, Amarillo, Pueblo, Colorado Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Brownsville is 18.7% cheaper than Centennial overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Brownsville is 18.7% below Centennial β $649,086 vs $195,993 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | β |
Brownsville runs 24.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.2Β°F vs 74.4Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 3.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 18.7% between Centennial and Brownsville (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.
Moving between Colorado 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (24.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 far is Brownsville, TX from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 1189 mi and the route typically takes 21h 26m via US 87 and I 25. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 62.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 18.7% lower than Centennial (85.975 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 69.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1189 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Brownsville, TX.