71
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 4–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Irvine has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Irvine — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Irvine's 47.8/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 77% 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 77% lower — a difference of $790,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $1,514/month — that's $18,168 per year.
💵
Households in Irvine earn $62,508 more per year (103% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$1,025,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$2,749
Median Income
$60,440
$122,948
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 77% lower than Irvine, translating to $790,700 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.
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 Irvine: Common Questions
Is Houston or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $790,700 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $2,749 in Irvine.
Does Houston or Irvine have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or Irvine better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in Irvine. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $122,948 in Irvine.
Which city is safer — Houston or Irvine?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Irvine is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Irvine. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Irvine.
Should I move from Houston to Irvine?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Irvine's 47.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Houston 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.