71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
55
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
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Bellevue has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Bellevue — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Bellevue (55.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 79% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Bellevue has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 79% lower — a difference of $904,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $1,187/month — that's $14,244 per year.
💵
Households in Bellevue earn $89,111 more per year (147% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 18 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Bellevue has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$1,139,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$2,422
Median Income
$60,440
$149,551
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 79% lower than Bellevue, translating to $904,500 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.7%
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
30 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 18 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
14
Bellevue 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 Bellevue: Common Questions
Is Houston or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $904,500 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $2,422 in Bellevue.
Does Houston or Bellevue have better weather?
Bellevue scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Bellevue better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.7% in Bellevue. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $149,551 in Bellevue.
Which city is safer — Houston or Bellevue?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Bellevue is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Bellevue. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Bellevue.
Should I move from Houston to Bellevue?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Bellevue's 55.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Bellevue 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 5, 2026.