Moving from Midland, TX to Brownsville, TX
A move from Midland, TX to Brownsville, TX covers 597 mi and around 11h 1m of driving through 1 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.
597 mi · 11h 1m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 87, US 83, US 281 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Odessa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 95.783 to 85.975, putting Brownsville roughly 10.2% below Midland on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Brownsville: 10.2% below Midland on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Midland | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 51°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | — |
Brownsville runs 9.4°F warmer on the annual average (65.0°F vs 74.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 3.21 |
Median household income in Brownsville is 10.2% below Midland ($91,169 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.
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 much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $328,325 in Midland — a 40.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 10.2% lower than Midland (85.975 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 597 mi and the route typically takes 11h 1m via US 87 and US 83. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Midland vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $91,169 in Midland — a 46.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 114,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Midland 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 597 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX · Brownsville, TX.