Moving from Amarillo, TX to Brownsville, TX
A move from Amarillo, TX to Brownsville, TX covers 781 mi and around 13h 43m 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.
781 mi · 13h 43m by car · TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 77, US 83, I 37 |
| Major cities en route | Lubbock, San Antonio, Corpus Christi |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Brownsville is 6.4% cheaper than Amarillo overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Brownsville is 6.4% below Amarillo ($195,993 vs $206,787 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Amarillo | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 51°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | — | — |
Brownsville runs 17.5°F warmer on the annual average (56.9°F vs 74.4°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 35 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 3.21 |
Median household income in Brownsville is 6.4% below Amarillo ($62,469 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.5°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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Amarillo 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 781 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $206,787 in Amarillo — a 5.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 781 mi and the route typically takes 13h 43m via US 77 and US 83. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 6.4% lower than Amarillo (85.975 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $62,469 in Amarillo — a 22.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 120,310 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 Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX · Brownsville, TX.