71
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
51
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
🛡️ Santa Ana has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Santa Ana — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Santa Ana's 51.2/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 62% lower. Houston has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.3%. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 62% lower — a difference of $389,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $650/month — that's $7,800 per year.
💵
Households in Santa Ana earn $23,770 more per year (39% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 1.2 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$624,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,885
Median Income
$60,440
$84,210
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 62% lower than Santa Ana, translating to $389,000 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.
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
20
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Santa Ana: Common Questions
Is Houston or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $389,000 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,885 in Santa Ana.
Does Houston or Santa Ana have better weather?
Houston scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Houston or Santa Ana better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.5% in Santa Ana. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $84,210 in Santa Ana.
Which city is safer — Houston or Santa Ana?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Santa Ana is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 20 in Santa Ana. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Santa Ana.
Should I move from Houston to Santa Ana?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Santa Ana's 51.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Houston has a better climate.
Planning to move from Houston to Santa Ana?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 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.