65
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
🛡️ Dallas has fewer disasters
📋 Dallas vs Houston — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Dallas's 65.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 13% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Dallas has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 13% lower — a difference of $35,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $70/month — that's $840 per year.
💵
Households in Dallas earn $3,545 more per year (6% higher median income).
🛡️
Dallas has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$270,700
$235,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,305
$1,235
Median Income
$63,985
$60,440
Houston edges out Dallas on housing costs by 13%, a difference of $35,700. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
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
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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)
14
21
Hurricane Risk
Moderate
High
Dallas has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Dallas to Houston: Common Questions
Is Dallas or Houston cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $35,700 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,305 in Dallas.
Does Dallas or Houston have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Dallas or Houston better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Dallas vs 4.3% in Houston. Median household income is $63,985 in Dallas and $60,440 in Houston.
Which city is safer — Dallas or Houston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Dallas is safer. Dallas has had 14 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Houston. Dallas scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Houston.
Should I move from Dallas to Houston?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Dallas's 65.2/100 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.