71
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
48
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 4–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ San Francisco has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs San Francisco — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to San Francisco's 48/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 83% lower. Houston has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, San Francisco has a notably lower disaster history with 15 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 83% lower — a difference of $1,113,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $1,081/month — that's $12,972 per year.
💵
Households in San Francisco earn $76,249 more per year (126% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 24 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
San Francisco has experienced 15 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$1,348,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$2,316
Median Income
$60,440
$136,689
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 83% lower than San Francisco, translating to $1,113,700 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
36 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 24 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
6
San Francisco has a markedly lower disaster history — 15 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to San Francisco: Common Questions
Is Houston or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $1,113,700 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $2,316 in San Francisco.
Does Houston or San Francisco have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or San Francisco better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in San Francisco. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $136,689 in San Francisco.
Which city is safer — Houston or San Francisco?
In terms of natural disaster risk, San Francisco is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 6 in San Francisco. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for San Francisco.
Should I move from Houston to San Francisco?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs San Francisco's 48.0/100 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.