71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Sioux Falls wins 2–2 overall (74/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Sioux Falls has lower unemployment
🛡️ Sioux Falls has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Sioux Falls — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Sioux Falls (74.5/100) each win 2 categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Houston edges out with slightly lower home prices. Sioux Falls has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 2.2%. For safety-conscious movers, Sioux Falls has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years. Sioux Falls may be the better fit for job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 6% lower — a difference of $15,000 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Sioux Falls saves you $270/month — that's $3,240 per year.
💵
Households in Sioux Falls earn $11,345 more per year (19% higher median income).
📊
Sioux Falls has a 2.1 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Sioux Falls has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$250,000
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$965
Median Income
$60,440
$71,785
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 6% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
2.2%
Sioux Falls has a substantially stronger job market with unemployment 2.1 percentage points lower. If you're relocating without a job lined up, this difference matters.
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
9
Sioux Falls has a markedly lower disaster history — 12 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Sioux Falls: Common Questions
Is Houston or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $15,000 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $965 in Sioux Falls vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Sioux Falls have better weather?
Sioux Falls scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Sioux Falls better for finding a job?
Sioux Falls currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 2.2% in Sioux Falls. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $71,785 in Sioux Falls.
Which city is safer — Houston or Sioux Falls?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Sioux Falls is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Sioux Falls. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Sioux Falls.
Should I move from Houston to Sioux Falls?
Based on our data, Sioux Falls scores 74.5/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Sioux Falls 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 5, 2026.