Moving from Brownsville, TX to Birmingham, AL
The drive from Brownsville, TX to Birmingham, AL runs 1018 mi β about 18h 51m 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.
1018 mi Β· 18h 51m by car Β· AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 59, I 10, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, New Orleans, Beaumont, Pasadena, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brownsville | Birmingham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.975 | 91.644 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.15 | 83.803 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 57.72 | 71.851 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Birmingham is 6.6% higher than Brownsville, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Birmingham is 6.6% below Brownsville β $195,993 vs $135,870 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Brownsville +2.1%, Birmingham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Brownsville | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.4" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 56.6" |
Climate cools by 10.5Β°F on the annual average β 74.4Β°F β 63.9Β°F.
Birmingham averages 1.4 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US, BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brownsville | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 188,023 | 199,322 |
| Median household income | $48,675 | $44,376 |
| Median age | 30.9 | 35.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.21 | 2.25 |
Income steps down 6.6%: $48,675 in Brownsville vs $44,376 in Birmingham.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Birmingham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 63,490 | $39,630 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 51,190 | $38,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 51,120 | $34,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,990 | $26,920 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 41,870 | $64,700 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 Birmingham average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Birmingham averages 56.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Brownsville vs Birmingham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $44,376 in Birmingham vs $48,675 in Brownsville β a 8.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Brownsville to Birmingham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1018 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 Birmingham compare to Brownsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA vs $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA, on total employment of 509,200 and 154,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Birmingham more expensive than Brownsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Birmingham is 6.6% higher than Brownsville (91.644 vs 85.975, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Birmingham, AL from Brownsville, TX?
The driving distance is 1018 mi and the route typically takes 18h 51m via I 59 and I 10. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Birmingham compared to Brownsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,870 in Birmingham vs $195,993 in Brownsville β a 30.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brownsville.
City profiles: Brownsville, TX Β· Birmingham, AL.