71
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
58
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
🛡️ Spring Valley has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Spring Valley — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Spring Valley's 58.5/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 37% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Spring Valley has a notably lower disaster history with 17 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 37% lower — a difference of $140,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $288/month — that's $3,456 per year.
💵
Households in Spring Valley earn $8,901 more per year (15% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 0.9 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Spring Valley has experienced 17 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$375,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,523
Median Income
$60,440
$69,341
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 37% lower than Spring Valley, translating to $140,200 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
5.2%
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
4
Spring Valley has a markedly lower disaster history — 17 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Spring Valley: Common Questions
Is Houston or Spring Valley cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $140,200 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,523 in Spring Valley.
Does Houston or Spring Valley have better weather?
Spring Valley scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Spring Valley better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 5.2% in Spring Valley. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $69,341 in Spring Valley.
Which city is safer — Houston or Spring Valley?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Spring Valley is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 4 in Spring Valley. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Spring Valley.
Should I move from Houston to Spring Valley?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Spring Valley's 58.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Spring Valley 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.