71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
65
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
💼 Boise City has lower unemployment
🛡️ Boise City has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Boise City — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Boise City (65.2/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 42% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Boise City has a notably lower disaster history with 18 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 42% lower — a difference of $166,800 in median home value.
💵
Households in Boise City earn $15,962 more per year (26% higher median income).
📊
Boise City has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Boise City has experienced 18 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$401,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,223
Median Income
$60,440
$76,402
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 42% lower than Boise City, translating to $166,800 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 Boise City having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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
3
Boise City has a markedly lower disaster history — 18 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Boise City: Common Questions
Is Houston or Boise City cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $166,800 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,223 in Boise City vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Boise City have better weather?
Boise City scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Boise City better for finding a job?
Boise City currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Boise City. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $76,402 in Boise City.
Which city is safer — Houston or Boise City?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Boise City is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 3 in Boise City. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Boise City.
Should I move from Houston to Boise City?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Boise City's 65.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Boise City 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.