Moving from Brownsville, TX to Memphis, TN
A move from Brownsville, TX to Memphis, TN covers 925 mi and around 17h 2m of driving through 3 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.
925 mi Β· 17h 2m by car Β· TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, US 77, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Houston, Pasadena, League City, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brownsville | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.975 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.15 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 57.72 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Memphis is 7.2% 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 Memphis is 7.2% below Brownsville β $195,993 vs $144,710 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Brownsville +2.1%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Brownsville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 54.9" |
Memphis is 11.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (74.4Β°F vs 63.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Memphis averages 2.7 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, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brownsville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 188,023 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $48,675 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 30.9 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 3.21 | 2.47 |
Median household income in Memphis is 7.2% above Brownsville ($48,675 β $51,211, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 Memphis average 92Β°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: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Brownsville to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 925 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Memphis, TN from Brownsville, TX?
The driving distance is 925 mi and the route typically takes 17h 2m via US 59 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Brownsville vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $48,675 in Brownsville β a 5.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Brownsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 7.2% higher than Brownsville (92.179 vs 85.975, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Brownsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 154,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Brownsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $195,993 in Brownsville β a 26.2% 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· Memphis, TN.