71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Joliet wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 1–3 overall (71/100)
💰 Joliet is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Joliet has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Joliet — The Verdict
Joliet scores 70.8/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Joliet has a notably lower disaster history with 13 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
💰
Renting in Joliet saves you $61/month — that's $732 per year.
💵
Households in Joliet earn $24,531 more per year (41% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 51 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Joliet has experienced 13 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$233,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,174
Median Income
$60,440
$84,971
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%
4.6%
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
63 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 51 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
8
Joliet has a markedly lower disaster history — 13 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Joliet: Common Questions
Is Houston or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Joliet is more affordable overall. Home prices are $1,200 lower in Joliet. Monthly rent is $1,174 in Joliet vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Joliet have better weather?
Joliet scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Joliet better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.6% in Joliet. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $84,971 in Joliet.
Which city is safer — Houston or Joliet?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Joliet is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Joliet. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Joliet.
Should I move from Houston to Joliet?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Joliet's 70.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Joliet is more affordable, while Joliet 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 5, 2026.