71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 2–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Norfolk has lower unemployment
🛡️ Norfolk has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Norfolk — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Norfolk (71.2/100) each win 2 categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Houston edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Norfolk has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 8% lower — a difference of $19,200 in median home value.
📊
Norfolk has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Norfolk has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$254,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,188
Median Income
$60,440
$60,998
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 8% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Norfolk having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
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
9
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Norfolk has a markedly lower disaster history — 12 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Norfolk: Common Questions
Is Houston or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $19,200 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,188 in Norfolk vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Norfolk have better weather?
Norfolk scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Norfolk better for finding a job?
Norfolk currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Norfolk. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $60,998 in Norfolk.
Which city is safer — Houston or Norfolk?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Norfolk is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Norfolk. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Norfolk.
Should I move from Houston to Norfolk?
Based on our data, Norfolk scores 71.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Norfolk 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.