71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–0 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Providence has lower unemployment
🛡️ Providence has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Providence — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Providence's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 20% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Providence has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 20% lower — a difference of $58,000 in median home value.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 46 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Providence has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$293,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,214
Median Income
$60,440
$61,365
Houston edges out Providence on housing costs by 20%, a difference of $58,000. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
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
58 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 46 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
14
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Providence has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Providence: Common Questions
Is Houston or Providence cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $58,000 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,214 in Providence vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Providence have better weather?
Providence scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Providence better for finding a job?
Providence currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Providence. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $61,365 in Providence.
Which city is safer — Houston or Providence?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Providence is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Providence. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Providence.
Should I move from Houston to Providence?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Providence's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Providence 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.