71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Huntsville wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Huntsville wins 2–3 overall (77/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Huntsville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Huntsville has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Huntsville — The Verdict
Huntsville scores 77.5/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. Huntsville has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 2.7%. For safety-conscious movers, Huntsville has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years. Huntsville may be the better fit for job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Huntsville saves you $215/month — that's $2,580 per year.
💵
Households in Huntsville earn $7,434 more per year (12% higher median income).
📊
Huntsville has a 1.6 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 37 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Huntsville has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$236,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,020
Median Income
$60,440
$67,874
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 1% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
2.7%
Huntsville has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 1.6 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
49 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 37 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
9
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Huntsville has a markedly lower disaster history — 12 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Huntsville: Common Questions
Is Houston or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $1,300 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,020 in Huntsville vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Huntsville have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or Huntsville better for finding a job?
Huntsville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 2.7% in Huntsville. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $67,874 in Huntsville.
Which city is safer — Houston or Huntsville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Huntsville is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Huntsville. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Huntsville.
Should I move from Houston to Huntsville?
Based on our data, Huntsville scores 77.5/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Huntsville is more affordable, while Houston has a better climate.
Planning to move from Houston to Huntsville?
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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.