Houston
Texas
Pop. 2,296,253
VS
Aurora
Illinois
Pop. 181,405

Full comparison across 7 data categories from U.S. government sources

71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Aurora wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
⚡ TL;DR
Houston wins 1–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Aurora has fewer disasters

📋 Houston vs Aurora — The Verdict

Aurora scores 68.5/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Aurora has a notably lower disaster history with 15 fewer declarations in 20 years.

💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $227/month — that's $2,724 per year.
💵
Households in Aurora earn $25,503 more per year (42% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 57 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Aurora has experienced 15 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
💰 Houston vs Aurora: Cost of Living Comparison
80
vs
80
Median Home Value
$235,000
$241,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,462
Median Income
$60,440
$85,943
Electricity ¢/kWh
¢
¢
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 3% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
💼 Houston vs Aurora: Job Market & Salaries
55
vs
60
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.6%
Job Growth YoY
%
%
Labor Force
N/A
N/A
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.
🌡️ Houston vs Aurora: Weather & Climate
50
vs
50
Summer High
°F
°F
Winter Low
°F
°F
Sunny Days /yr
Annual Rain
"
"
Annual Snow
"
"
📊 See Full City Rankings →
🌿 Houston vs Aurora: Air Quality & Environment
100
vs
70
Air Quality (AQI)
12
69 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Water Violations
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 57 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
🌐 Houston vs Aurora: Internet & Infrastructure
50
vs
50
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
ISP Providers
0
0
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.
⚠️ Houston vs Aurora: Natural Disaster Risk
95
vs
95
Disasters (20 years)
21
6
Flood Zone
None
None
Earthquake Risk
Low
Low
Hurricane Risk
High
Low
Aurora 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 Aurora: Common Questions

Is Houston or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $6,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,462 in Aurora.
Does Houston or Aurora have better weather?
Aurora scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Aurora better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.6% in Aurora. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $85,943 in Aurora.
Which city is safer — Houston or Aurora?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Aurora is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Aurora. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Aurora.
Should I move from Houston to Aurora?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Aurora's 68.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Aurora is more affordable, while Aurora 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.