71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
66
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
💼 Salt Lake City has lower unemployment
🛡️ Salt Lake City has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Salt Lake City — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Salt Lake City (66.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 49% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Salt Lake City has a notably lower disaster history with 13 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 49% lower — a difference of $223,600 in median home value.
💵
Households in Salt Lake City earn $11,917 more per year (20% higher median income).
📊
Salt Lake City has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Salt Lake City has experienced 13 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$458,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,254
Median Income
$60,440
$72,357
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 49% lower than Salt Lake City, translating to $223,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Salt Lake City having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
17 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
8
Salt Lake City has a markedly lower disaster history — 13 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Salt Lake City: Common Questions
Is Houston or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $223,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,254 in Salt Lake City.
Does Houston or Salt Lake City have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or Salt Lake City better for finding a job?
Salt Lake City currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $72,357 in Salt Lake City.
Which city is safer — Houston or Salt Lake City?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Salt Lake City is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Salt Lake City. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Salt Lake City.
Should I move from Houston to Salt Lake City?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Salt Lake City's 66.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Houston 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.