63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 0–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Houston — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 23% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 11 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 23% lower — a difference of $69,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $79/month — that's $948 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $11,233 more per year (19% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 48 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$235,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,235
Median Income
$71,673
$60,440
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 23% lower than Chicago, translating to $69,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
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.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 48 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
21
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Houston: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Houston cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $69,500 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Houston have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Houston better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Houston. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $60,440 in Houston.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Houston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Houston. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Houston.
Should I move from Chicago to Houston?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 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.