71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
It's a tie 0–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 0–0 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Jacksonville has lower unemployment
🛡️ Houston has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Jacksonville — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Jacksonville (71.2/100) each win 0 categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities.
💡 Key Differences
💵
Households in Jacksonville earn $3,698 more per year (6% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 15 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Houston has experienced 3 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$243,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,281
Median Income
$60,440
$64,138
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
27 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
24
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Jacksonville: Common Questions
Is Houston or Jacksonville cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $8,000 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,281 in Jacksonville.
Does Houston or Jacksonville have better weather?
Jacksonville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Jacksonville better for finding a job?
Jacksonville currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Jacksonville. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $64,138 in Jacksonville.
Which city is safer — Houston or Jacksonville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Houston is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 24 in Jacksonville. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Jacksonville.
Should I move from Houston to Jacksonville?
Based on our data, Jacksonville scores 71.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Jacksonville is more affordable, while Jacksonville 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.