71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
66
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
💼 Irving has lower unemployment
🛡️ Irving has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Irving — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Irving's 66.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Houston edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Irving has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 9% lower — a difference of $24,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $188/month — that's $2,256 per year.
💵
Households in Irving earn $16,246 more per year (27% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 24 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Irving has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$259,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,423
Median Income
$60,440
$76,686
Houston edges out Irving on housing costs by 9%, a difference of $24,500. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
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
Irving 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 Irving: Common Questions
Is Houston or Irving cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $24,500 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,423 in Irving.
Does Houston or Irving have better weather?
Irving scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Irving better for finding a job?
Irving currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Irving. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $76,686 in Irving.
Which city is safer — Houston or Irving?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Irving is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Irving. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Irving.
Should I move from Houston to Irving?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Irving's 66.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Irving 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.