71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
57
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
💼 Denver has lower unemployment
🛡️ Denver has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Denver — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Denver (57.8/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 57% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Denver has a notably lower disaster history with 15 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 57% lower — a difference of $305,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $430/month — that's $5,160 per year.
💵
Households in Denver earn $25,413 more per year (42% higher median income).
📊
Denver has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 49 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Denver has experienced 15 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$540,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,665
Median Income
$60,440
$85,853
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 57% lower than Denver, translating to $305,400 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Denver having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
61 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 49 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
6
Denver has a markedly lower disaster history — 15 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Denver: Common Questions
Is Houston or Denver cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $305,400 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,665 in Denver.
Does Houston or Denver have better weather?
Denver scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Denver better for finding a job?
Denver currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.8% in Denver. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $85,853 in Denver.
Which city is safer — Houston or Denver?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Denver is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Denver. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Denver.
Should I move from Houston to Denver?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Denver's 57.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Denver 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.