Moving from Topeka, KS to Brownsville, TX
Relocating 1006 mi from Topeka to Brownsville is a 18h 3m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1006 mi Β· 18h 3m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 69E |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Topeka and Brownsville sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Brownsville ($195,993) sits close to Topeka ($190,096) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | β |
Annual average temperature jumps 19.5Β°F β 54.9Β°F in Topeka vs 74.4Β°F in Brownsville, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3.21 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.2% lower in Brownsville than Topeka.
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 Kansas 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 (19.5Β°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 far is Brownsville, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1006 mi and the route typically takes 18h 3m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 12.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1006 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 3.2% lower than Topeka (85.975 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 3.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Brownsville, TX.