71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
65
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Arlington has lower unemployment
🛡️ Arlington has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Arlington — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Arlington's 65.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Houston edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Arlington has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 6% lower — a difference of $16,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $62/month — that's $744 per year.
💵
Households in Arlington earn $11,296 more per year (19% higher median income).
🛡️
Arlington has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$251,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,297
Median Income
$60,440
$71,736
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 6% 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.
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
14
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Arlington 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 Houston to Arlington: Common Questions
Is Houston or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $16,300 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,297 in Arlington.
Does Houston or Arlington have better weather?
Arlington scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Arlington better for finding a job?
Arlington currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Arlington. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $71,736 in Arlington.
Which city is safer — Houston or Arlington?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Arlington is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Arlington. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Arlington.
Should I move from Houston to Arlington?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Arlington's 65.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Arlington 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.