71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
50
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ San Jose has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs San Jose — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to San Jose's 50.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 80% lower. Houston has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. For safety-conscious movers, San Jose has a notably lower disaster history with 9 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 80% lower — a difference of $914,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $1,291/month — that's $15,492 per year.
💵
Households in San Jose earn $75,570 more per year (125% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
San Jose has experienced 9 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$1,149,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$2,526
Median Income
$60,440
$136,010
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 80% lower than San Jose, translating to $914,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
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
13 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
12
San Jose has a markedly lower disaster history — 9 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to San Jose: Common Questions
Is Houston or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $914,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $2,526 in San Jose.
Does Houston or San Jose have better weather?
San Jose scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or San Jose better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in San Jose. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $136,010 in San Jose.
Which city is safer — Houston or San Jose?
In terms of natural disaster risk, San Jose is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in San Jose. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for San Jose.
Should I move from Houston to San Jose?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs San Jose's 50.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while San Jose 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.