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
Cleveland wins 2–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Cleveland is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Cleveland has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Cleveland — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Cleveland's 72/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Cleveland has a clear edge with home prices 63% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Cleveland has a notably lower disaster history with 16 fewer declarations in 20 years. Cleveland may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Cleveland are 63% lower — a difference of $147,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Cleveland saves you $384/month — that's $4,608 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $23,169 more per year (62% higher median income).
🛡️
Cleveland has experienced 16 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$87,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$851
Median Income
$60,440
$37,271
The affordability gap is significant — Cleveland offers home prices 63% lower than Houston, translating to $147,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.5%
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.
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
5
Cleveland has a markedly lower disaster history — 16 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Cleveland: Common Questions
Is Houston or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Cleveland is more affordable overall. Home prices are $147,600 lower in Cleveland. Monthly rent is $851 in Cleveland vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Cleveland have better weather?
Cleveland scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Cleveland better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.5% in Cleveland. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $37,271 in Cleveland.
Which city is safer — Houston or Cleveland?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Cleveland is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Cleveland. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Cleveland.
Should I move from Houston to Cleveland?
Based on our data, Cleveland scores 72.0/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Cleveland is more affordable, while Cleveland 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.