Moving from Naperville, IL to Brownsville, TX
The drive from Naperville, IL to Brownsville, TX runs 1402 mi β about 26h 25m 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.
1402 mi Β· 26h 25m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, I 55, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | 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 Naperville 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 Naperville β $610,454 vs $195,993 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | β |
Brownsville runs 25.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (49.2Β°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: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 3.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 17.0% between Naperville 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 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 (25.2Β°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 much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 67.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 67.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville 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.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 17.0% lower than Naperville (85.975 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 1402 mi and the route typically takes 26h 25m via US 59 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1402 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Brownsville, TX.