71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
54
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Houston wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 3–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Seattle has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Seattle — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Seattle's 54.8/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 73% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Seattle has a notably lower disaster history with 7 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 73% lower — a difference of $644,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $710/month — that's $8,520 per year.
💵
Households in Seattle earn $55,628 more per year (92% higher median income).
🛡️
Seattle has experienced 7 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$879,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,945
Median Income
$60,440
$116,068
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 73% lower than Seattle, translating to $644,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.7%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
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
14
Seattle has a markedly lower disaster history — 7 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Seattle: Common Questions
Is Houston or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $644,900 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,945 in Seattle.
Does Houston or Seattle have better weather?
Seattle scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Seattle better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.7% in Seattle. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $116,068 in Seattle.
Which city is safer — Houston or Seattle?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Seattle is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 14 in Seattle. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Seattle.
Should I move from Houston to Seattle?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Seattle's 54.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Seattle 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.