71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
63
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
🛡️ Houston has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs San Bernardino — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to San Bernardino's 63.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 32% lower. Houston has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, Houston has a notably lower disaster history with 8 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 32% lower — a difference of $112,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $84/month — that's $1,008 per year.
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Houston has experienced 8 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$347,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,319
Median Income
$60,440
$61,323
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 32% lower than San Bernardino, translating to $112,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.5%
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
11 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
29
Houston has a markedly lower disaster history — 8 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to San Bernardino: Common Questions
Is Houston or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $112,100 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,319 in San Bernardino.
Does Houston or San Bernardino have better weather?
San Bernardino scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or San Bernardino better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in San Bernardino. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $61,323 in San Bernardino.
Which city is safer — Houston or San Bernardino?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Houston is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 29 in San Bernardino. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for San Bernardino.
Should I move from Houston to San Bernardino?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs San Bernardino's 63.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while San Bernardino 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.