Moving from Lubbock, TX to Brownsville, TX
Relocating 661 mi from Lubbock to Brownsville is a 11h 41m drive through 1 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.
661 mi Β· 11h 41m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 77, US 83, I 37 |
| Major cities en route | San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Mcallen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 5.8% moving from Lubbock to Brownsville β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Brownsville run about 5.8% cheaper β ZHVI $209,436 β $195,993 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | β |
Expect 12.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 3.21 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.8% lower in Brownsville than Lubbock.
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 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 (12.6Β°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
Is Brownsville more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 5.8% lower than Lubbock (85.975 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 661 mi and the route typically takes 11h 41m via US 77 and US 83. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 19.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 661 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 Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 6.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Brownsville, TX.