71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
59
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 3–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Salem has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Salem — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Salem's 59.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 33% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Salem has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 33% lower — a difference of $114,500 in median home value.
💵
Households in Salem earn $7,100 more per year (12% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 56 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Salem has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$349,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,224
Median Income
$60,440
$67,540
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 33% lower than Salem, translating to $114,500 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
68 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 56 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
9
Salem 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 Salem: Common Questions
Is Houston or Salem cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $114,500 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,224 in Salem vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Salem have better weather?
Salem scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Salem better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.2% in Salem. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $67,540 in Salem.
Which city is safer — Houston or Salem?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Salem is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Salem. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Salem.
Should I move from Houston to Salem?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Salem's 59.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Salem 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.