71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Cary wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 1–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Cary has lower unemployment
🛡️ Cary has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Cary — The Verdict
Cary scores 71.5/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 51% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Cary has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 51% lower — a difference of $242,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $303/month — that's $3,636 per year.
💵
Households in Cary earn $64,877 more per year (107% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 11 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Cary has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$477,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,538
Median Income
$60,440
$125,317
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 51% lower than Cary, translating to $242,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.9%
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
23 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
12
Cary has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Cary: Common Questions
Is Houston or Cary cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $242,400 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,538 in Cary.
Does Houston or Cary have better weather?
Cary scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Cary better for finding a job?
Cary currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.9% in Cary. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $125,317 in Cary.
Which city is safer — Houston or Cary?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Cary is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Cary. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Cary.
Should I move from Houston to Cary?
Based on our data, Cary scores 71.5/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Cary 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.