Moving from Independence, MO to Brownsville, TX
It is 1028 mi between Independence and Brownsville β roughly 19h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1028 mi Β· 19h 22m by car Β· TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 75, US 77 |
| 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
| Independence | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Brownsville at 85.975 vs Independence at 92.543.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 7.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | β |
Expect 20.4Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 3.21 |
Households in Brownsville earn about 7.1% less at the median β 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 Missouri 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 (20.4Β°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 Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1028 mi and the route typically takes 19h 22m via US 69 and US 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 7.1% lower than Independence (85.975 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $59,480 in Independence β a 18.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1028 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $208,158 in Independence β a 5.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Brownsville, TX.