Moving from Montgomery, AL to Brownsville, TX
Relocating 985 mi from Montgomery to Brownsville is a 18h 18m drive through 4 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.
985 mi Β· 18h 18m by car Β· AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 77, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Mobile, New Orleans, Beaumont, Pasadena, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.682 vs 85.975 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $195,993 moving to Brownsville.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | β |
Expect 6.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 3.21 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.1% lower in Brownsville than Montgomery.
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 Alabama 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.
- 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 much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 29.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 985 mi and the route typically takes 18h 18m via I 10 and US 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 4.1% lower than Montgomery (85.975 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 985 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Brownsville, TX.