71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
66
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Atlanta has lower unemployment
🛡️ Atlanta has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Atlanta — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Atlanta (66.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 41% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Atlanta has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 41% lower — a difference of $160,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $277/month — that's $3,324 per year.
💵
Households in Atlanta earn $17,215 more per year (28% higher median income).
📊
Atlanta has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 27 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Atlanta has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$395,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,512
Median Income
$60,440
$77,655
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 41% lower than Atlanta, translating to $160,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Atlanta having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
39 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 27 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)
21
11
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Atlanta has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Atlanta: Common Questions
Is Houston or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $160,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,512 in Atlanta.
Does Houston or Atlanta have better weather?
Atlanta scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Atlanta better for finding a job?
Atlanta currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Atlanta. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $77,655 in Atlanta.
Which city is safer — Houston or Atlanta?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Atlanta is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Atlanta. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Atlanta.
Should I move from Houston to Atlanta?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Atlanta's 66.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Atlanta 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.