71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Albuquerque wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Albuquerque wins 0–3 overall (74/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Albuquerque has lower unemployment
🛡️ Albuquerque has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Albuquerque — The Verdict
Albuquerque scores 74.5/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Houston edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Albuquerque has a notably lower disaster history with 15 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Albuquerque saves you $221/month — that's $2,652 per year.
🛡️
Albuquerque has experienced 15 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$246,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,014
Median Income
$60,440
$61,503
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 4% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
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.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
6 Good
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)
21
6
Albuquerque has a markedly lower disaster history — 15 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Albuquerque: Common Questions
Is Houston or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $11,000 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,014 in Albuquerque vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Albuquerque have better weather?
Albuquerque scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Albuquerque better for finding a job?
Albuquerque currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Albuquerque. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $61,503 in Albuquerque.
Which city is safer — Houston or Albuquerque?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Albuquerque is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Albuquerque. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Albuquerque.
Should I move from Houston to Albuquerque?
Based on our data, Albuquerque scores 74.5/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Albuquerque is more affordable, while Albuquerque 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.