65
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Austin wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Austin has fewer disasters
📋 Austin vs Houston — The Verdict
Austin scores 65.5/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 49% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Austin has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 49% lower — a difference of $226,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $314/month — that's $3,768 per year.
💵
Households in Austin earn $26,116 more per year (43% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 16 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Austin has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$461,500
$235,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,549
$1,235
Median Income
$86,556
$60,440
Electricity ¢/kWh
12.30¢
¢
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 49% lower than Austin, translating to $226,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
Top Jobs — Austin
Software Developer
$125,430
Registered Nurse
$78,340
Project Manager
$98,760
Accountant
$72,150
Marketing Manager
$105,200
Top Jobs — Houston
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
28 Good
12
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
3
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 16 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
2,000 Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
✅ Yes
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
5.46
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
12
21
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
High
Austin has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Austin to Houston: Common Questions
Is Austin or Houston cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $226,500 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,549 in Austin.
Does Austin or Houston have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Austin or Houston better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Austin vs 4.3% in Houston. Median household income is $86,556 in Austin and $60,440 in Houston.
Which city is safer — Austin or Houston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Austin is safer. Austin has had 12 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Houston. Austin scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Houston.
Should I move from Austin to Houston?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Austin's 65.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Houston has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.