71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
60
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Modesto has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Modesto — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Modesto's 60.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 38% lower. Houston has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, Modesto has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 38% lower — a difference of $146,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $262/month — that's $3,144 per year.
💵
Households in Modesto earn $12,935 more per year (21% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Modesto has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$381,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,497
Median Income
$60,440
$73,375
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 38% lower than Modesto, translating to $146,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Houston having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
6 Good
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
11
Modesto has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Modesto: Common Questions
Is Houston or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $146,800 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,497 in Modesto.
Does Houston or Modesto have better weather?
Modesto scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Modesto better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in Modesto. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $73,375 in Modesto.
Which city is safer — Houston or Modesto?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Modesto is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Modesto. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Modesto.
Should I move from Houston to Modesto?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Modesto's 60.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Modesto 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.