71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 1–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Garland is more affordable
💼 Garland has lower unemployment
🛡️ Garland has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Garland — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Garland (70.2/100) each win 1 categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Garland has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $186/month — that's $2,232 per year.
💵
Households in Garland earn $10,604 more per year (18% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 24 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Garland has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$229,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,421
Median Income
$60,440
$71,044
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 3% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
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
36 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 24 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
14
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Garland has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Garland: Common Questions
Is Houston or Garland cheaper to live in?
Garland is more affordable overall. Home prices are $6,000 lower in Garland. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,421 in Garland.
Does Houston or Garland have better weather?
Garland scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Garland better for finding a job?
Garland currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Garland. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $71,044 in Garland.
Which city is safer — Houston or Garland?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Garland is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Garland. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Garland.
Should I move from Houston to Garland?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Garland's 70.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Garland is more affordable, while Garland has a better climate.
Planning to move from Houston to Garland?
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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.