Moving from Richmond, VA to Brownsville, TX
Cross-country relocations like Richmond, VA β Brownsville, TX cover 1676 mi and about 31h 14m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1676 mi Β· 31h 14m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 10, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Greensboro, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richmond | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.858 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.221 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.773 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.136 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.858 to 85.975, putting Brownsville roughly 12.1% below Richmond on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Brownsville: 12.1% below Richmond on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Richmond +1.4%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richmond | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.5" | β |
Major climate step-up: 15.5Β°F warmer annual average in Brownsville vs Richmond.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richmond | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 227,595 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $62,671 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 3.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.1% between Richmond and Brownsville (ACS 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 Virginia 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 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 (15.5Β°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
Is Brownsville more expensive than Richmond?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 12.1% lower than Richmond (85.975 vs 97.858, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Richmond to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1676 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 Richmond?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $369,646 in Richmond β a 47.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Richmond, VA?
The driving distance is 1676 mi and the route typically takes 31h 14m via I 85 and I 10. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Richmond vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $62,671 in Richmond β a 22.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Richmond?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $48,470 in the Richmond MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 647,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Richmond.
City profiles: Richmond, VA Β· Brownsville, TX.