71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Laredo wins 1–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Laredo is more affordable
💼 Laredo has lower unemployment
🛡️ Laredo has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Laredo — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Laredo (72.2/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Laredo has a clear edge with home prices 30% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Laredo has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years. Laredo may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Laredo are 30% lower — a difference of $70,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Laredo saves you $267/month — that's $3,204 per year.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 21 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Laredo has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$164,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$968
Median Income
$60,440
$60,928
The affordability gap is significant — Laredo offers home prices 30% lower than Houston, translating to $70,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
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
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 21 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
Laredo 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 Laredo: Common Questions
Is Houston or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Laredo is more affordable overall. Home prices are $70,600 lower in Laredo. Monthly rent is $968 in Laredo vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Laredo have better weather?
Laredo scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Laredo better for finding a job?
Laredo currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Laredo. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $60,928 in Laredo.
Which city is safer — Houston or Laredo?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Laredo is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Laredo. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Laredo.
Should I move from Houston to Laredo?
Based on our data, Laredo scores 72.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Laredo is more affordable, while Laredo 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.