71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
62
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
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Naperville has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Naperville — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Naperville (62.8/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 51% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Naperville has a notably lower disaster history with 15 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 51% lower — a difference of $247,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $552/month — that's $6,624 per year.
💵
Households in Naperville earn $83,314 more per year (138% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 57 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Naperville has experienced 15 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$482,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,787
Median Income
$60,440
$143,754
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 51% lower than Naperville, translating to $247,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.6%
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
69 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 57 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
6
Naperville has a markedly lower disaster history — 15 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Naperville: Common Questions
Is Houston or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $247,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,787 in Naperville.
Does Houston or Naperville have better weather?
Naperville scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Naperville better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.6% in Naperville. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $143,754 in Naperville.
Which city is safer — Houston or Naperville?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Naperville is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in Naperville. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Naperville.
Should I move from Houston to Naperville?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Naperville's 62.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Naperville 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.