71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
64
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
🛡️ Charleston has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Charleston — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Charleston (64.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 46% lower. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 46% lower — a difference of $203,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $282/month — that's $3,384 per year.
💵
Households in Charleston earn $23,451 more per year (39% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 16 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$438,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,517
Median Income
$60,440
$83,891
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 46% lower than Charleston, translating to $203,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.8%
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
28 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 16 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 Charleston: Common Questions
Is Houston or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $203,900 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,517 in Charleston.
Does Houston or Charleston have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or Charleston better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.8% in Charleston. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $83,891 in Charleston.
Which city is safer — Houston or Charleston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Charleston is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Charleston. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Charleston.
Should I move from Houston to Charleston?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Charleston's 64.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Houston 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.