71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
64
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
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Houston has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Bakersfield — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Bakersfield's 64/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 27% lower. Houston has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 27% lower — a difference of $85,600 in median home value.
💵
Households in Bakersfield earn $13,387 more per year (22% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$320,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,283
Median Income
$60,440
$73,827
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 27% lower than Bakersfield, translating to $85,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Houston having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
19 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
22
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Bakersfield: Common Questions
Is Houston or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $85,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,283 in Bakersfield.
Does Houston or Bakersfield have better weather?
Bakersfield scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Bakersfield better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in Bakersfield. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $73,827 in Bakersfield.
Which city is safer — Houston or Bakersfield?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Houston is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 22 in Bakersfield. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Bakersfield.
Should I move from Houston to Bakersfield?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Bakersfield's 64.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Bakersfield 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.