Moving from Sacramento, CA to Brownsville, TX
Moving from Sacramento, CA to Brownsville, TX is a 2011 mi cross-country relocation β about 34h 52m of driving through 4 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2011 mi Β· 34h 52m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, US 180 |
| Major cities en route | Roseville, Elk Grove, Stockton, Antioch, Modesto |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sacramento | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 106.67 to 85.975, putting Brownsville roughly 19.4% below Sacramento on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Brownsville: 19.4% below Sacramento on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sacramento -2.5%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sacramento | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.2" | β |
Brownsville runs 11.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (63.4Β°F vs 74.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO 5 ESE, CA US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sacramento | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,802 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $83,753 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.63 | 3.21 |
Median household income in Brownsville is 19.4% below Sacramento ($83,753 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
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 (11.0Β°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
When is the best time to move from Sacramento to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2011 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Sacramento, CA?
The driving distance is 2011 mi and the route typically takes 34h 52m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Sacramento vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $83,753 in Sacramento β a 41.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Sacramento?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $479,766 in Sacramento β a 59.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Sacramento?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 19.4% lower than Sacramento (85.975 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Sacramento?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $55,290 in the Sacramento MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 1,048,170 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 Sacramento.
City profiles: Sacramento, CA Β· Brownsville, TX.