Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Brownsville, TX
Relocating between Sugar Land, TX and Brownsville, TX is a 330 mi drive β 6h 33m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
330 mi Β· 6h 33m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 77, I 69E, US 83 |
| Major cities en route | Mcallen, Corpus Christi, Pearland, Houston, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Brownsville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 85.975 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 81.15 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 57.72 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 12.8% cheaper overall in Brownsville than Sugar Land on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Brownsville +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sugar Land | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 51Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Brownsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 188,023 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $48,675 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 30.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 3.21 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.8% β $137,511 β $48,675 per ACS 5-year estimates (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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Sugar Land vs Brownsville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,675 in Brownsville vs $137,511 in Sugar Land β a 64.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Brownsville compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $195,993 in Brownsville vs $447,176 in Sugar Land β a 56.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Brownsville compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA vs $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA, on total employment of 154,580 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Brownsville, TX from Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 330 mi and the route typically takes 6h 33m via US 77 and I 69E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Brownsville more expensive than Sugar Land?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brownsville is 12.8% lower than Sugar Land (85.975 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land to Brownsville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 330 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 Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX Β· Brownsville, TX.