Moving from Laredo, TX to Brownsville, TX
The 205 mi from Laredo to Brownsville translate to about 4h behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
205 mi · 4h by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 83, I 69E, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Mcallen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Laredo | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 86.956 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.614 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 59.746 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Brownsville and Laredo is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Brownsville is 1.1% below Laredo ($195,993 vs $220,331 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Laredo +2.5%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Laredo | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 51°F |
| July avg high | 100°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 19.7" | — |
Annual average temperatures in Laredo (75.0°F) and Brownsville (74.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAREDO 2, TX US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Laredo | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 255,949 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $63,264 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 29.7 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.1% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 3.36 | 3.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.1% between Laredo 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.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Brownsville average 92°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
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Laredo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $35,220 in the Laredo MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 104,610 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Laredo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 1.1% lower than Laredo (85.975 vs 86.956, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Laredo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $220,331 in Laredo — a 11.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Laredo, TX?
The driving distance is 205 mi and the route typically takes 4h via US 83 and I 69E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Laredo to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 205 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Laredo vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $63,264 in Laredo — a 23.1% 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 Laredo.
City profiles: Laredo, TX · Brownsville, TX.