71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
67
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
💼 Madison has lower unemployment
🛡️ Madison has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Madison — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Madison (67.2/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 28% lower. Madison has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.1%. For safety-conscious movers, Madison has a notably lower disaster history with 14 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers. Madison may be the better fit for job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 28% lower — a difference of $91,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $56/month — that's $672 per year.
💵
Households in Madison earn $14,455 more per year (24% higher median income).
📊
Madison has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 53 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Madison has experienced 14 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$326,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,291
Median Income
$60,440
$74,895
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 28% lower than Madison, translating to $91,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.1%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Madison having a slight edge at 3.1% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
65 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 53 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
7
Madison has a markedly lower disaster history — 14 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Madison: Common Questions
Is Houston or Madison cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $91,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,291 in Madison.
Does Houston or Madison have better weather?
Madison scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Madison better for finding a job?
Madison currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.1% in Madison. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $74,895 in Madison.
Which city is safer — Houston or Madison?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Madison is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 7 in Madison. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Madison.
Should I move from Houston to Madison?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Madison's 67.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Madison 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.