71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
56
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
🛡️ Portland has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Portland — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Portland's 56.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 55% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Portland has a notably lower disaster history with 14 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 55% lower — a difference of $288,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $295/month — that's $3,540 per year.
💵
Households in Portland earn $25,436 more per year (42% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Portland has experienced 14 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$523,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,530
Median Income
$60,440
$85,876
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 55% lower than Portland, translating to $288,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.2%
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
4 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
7
Portland 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 Portland: Common Questions
Is Houston or Portland cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $288,100 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,530 in Portland.
Does Houston or Portland have better weather?
Portland scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Portland better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.2% in Portland. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $85,876 in Portland.
Which city is safer — Houston or Portland?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Portland is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 7 in Portland. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Portland.
Should I move from Houston to Portland?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Portland's 56.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Portland 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.