71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
65
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Lakewood has lower unemployment
🛡️ Lakewood has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Lakewood — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Lakewood (65/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 52% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Lakewood has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 52% lower — a difference of $259,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $430/month — that's $5,160 per year.
💵
Households in Lakewood earn $22,346 more per year (37% higher median income).
📊
Lakewood has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Lakewood has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$494,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,665
Median Income
$60,440
$82,786
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 52% lower than Lakewood, translating to $259,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Lakewood having a slight edge at 3.8% 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
9
Lakewood 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 Lakewood: Common Questions
Is Houston or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $259,100 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,665 in Lakewood.
Does Houston or Lakewood have better weather?
Lakewood scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Lakewood better for finding a job?
Lakewood currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.8% in Lakewood. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $82,786 in Lakewood.
Which city is safer — Houston or Lakewood?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Lakewood is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Lakewood. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Lakewood.
Should I move from Houston to Lakewood?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Lakewood's 65.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Lakewood 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.