Moving from Chicago, IL to Brownsville, TX
A move from Chicago, IL to Brownsville, TX covers 1430 mi and around 26h 9m of driving through 4 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.
1430 mi Β· 26h 9m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, US 59, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Brownsville is 17.0% cheaper than Chicago 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 17.0% below Chicago β $317,283 vs $195,993 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | β |
Brownsville runs 23.6Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.8Β°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: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 3.21 |
Median household income in Brownsville is 17.0% below Chicago ($75,134 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 Illinois 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (23.6Β°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 much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 38.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 17.0% lower than Chicago (85.975 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 1430 mi and the route typically takes 26h 9m via I 57 and US 59. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1430 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 Chicago vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 35.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Brownsville, TX.