71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
51
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Huntington Beach has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Huntington Beach — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Huntington Beach's 51.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 76% lower. Houston has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 76% lower — a difference of $741,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $1,083/month — that's $12,996 per year.
💵
Households in Huntington Beach earn $54,307 more per year (90% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$976,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$2,318
Median Income
$60,440
$114,747
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 76% lower than Huntington Beach, translating to $741,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.5%
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
4 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
20
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Huntington Beach: Common Questions
Is Houston or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $741,800 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $2,318 in Huntington Beach.
Does Houston or Huntington Beach have better weather?
Huntington Beach scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Huntington Beach better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $114,747 in Huntington Beach.
Which city is safer — Houston or Huntington Beach?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Huntington Beach is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Huntington Beach. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Huntington Beach.
Should I move from Houston to Huntington Beach?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Huntington Beach's 51.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Huntington Beach 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.