71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Brownsville wins 2–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Brownsville is more affordable
💼 Brownsville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Brownsville has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Brownsville — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Brownsville's 72.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Brownsville has a clear edge with home prices 52% lower. Brownsville may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Brownsville are 52% lower — a difference of $122,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Brownsville saves you $363/month — that's $4,356 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $13,705 more per year (29% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 19 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$112,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$872
Median Income
$60,440
$46,735
The affordability gap is significant — Brownsville offers home prices 52% lower than Houston, translating to $122,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
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
31 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 19 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
19
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Brownsville: Common Questions
Is Houston or Brownsville cheaper to live in?
Brownsville is more affordable overall. Home prices are $122,400 lower in Brownsville. Monthly rent is $872 in Brownsville vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Brownsville have better weather?
Brownsville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Brownsville better for finding a job?
Brownsville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Brownsville. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $46,735 in Brownsville.
Which city is safer — Houston or Brownsville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Brownsville is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Brownsville. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Brownsville.
Should I move from Houston to Brownsville?
Based on our data, Brownsville scores 72.8/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Brownsville is more affordable, while Brownsville 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.