Houston
Texas
Pop. 2,296,253
VS
Las Vegas
Nevada
Pop. 644,835

Full comparison across 7 data categories from U.S. government sources

71
Overall Score /100
Wins 5 of 7 categories
55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 5–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
⚡ TL;DR
Houston wins 5–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Las Vegas has fewer disasters

📋 Houston vs Las Vegas — The Verdict

Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Las Vegas's 55.2/100, winning 5 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 36% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Las Vegas has a notably lower disaster history with 17 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.

💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 36% lower — a difference of $130,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $121/month — that's $1,452 per year.
💵
Households in Las Vegas earn $5,916 more per year (10% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 19 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Las Vegas has experienced 17 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
💰 Houston vs Las Vegas: Cost of Living Comparison
80
vs
50
Median Home Value
$235,000
$365,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,356
Median Income
$60,440
$66,356
Electricity ¢/kWh
¢
¢
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 36% lower than Las Vegas, translating to $130,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
💼 Houston vs Las Vegas: Job Market & Salaries
55
vs
35
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.2%
Job Growth YoY
%
%
Labor Force
N/A
N/A
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Houston having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
🌡️ Houston vs Las Vegas: Weather & Climate
50
vs
40
Summer High
°F
10.3°F
Winter Low
°F
3.8°F
Sunny Days /yr
Annual Rain
"
0.1"
Annual Snow
"
0.0"
📊 See Full City Rankings →
🌿 Houston vs Las Vegas: Air Quality & Environment
100
vs
90
Air Quality (AQI)
12
31 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Water Violations
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 19 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
🌐 Houston vs Las Vegas: Internet & Infrastructure
50
vs
55
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
ISP Providers
0
0
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.
⚠️ Houston vs Las Vegas: Natural Disaster Risk
95
vs
75
Disasters (20 years)
21
4
Flood Zone
None
None
Earthquake Risk
Low
Low
Hurricane Risk
High
Low
Las Vegas has a markedly lower disaster history — 17 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.

❓ Moving from Houston to Las Vegas: Common Questions

Is Houston or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $130,300 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,356 in Las Vegas.
Does Houston or Las Vegas have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or Las Vegas better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.2% in Las Vegas. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $66,356 in Las Vegas.
Which city is safer — Houston or Las Vegas?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Las Vegas is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Las Vegas. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 75/100 for Las Vegas.
Should I move from Houston to Las Vegas?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Las Vegas's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Houston 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.