71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
70
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)
💰 Springfield is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Springfield has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Springfield — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Springfield's 70.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Springfield has a clear edge with home prices 16% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Springfield has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years. Springfield may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Springfield are 16% lower — a difference of $36,500 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Springfield saves you $188/month — that's $2,256 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $12,763 more per year (27% higher median income).
📊
Houston has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 21 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Springfield has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$198,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,047
Median Income
$60,440
$47,677
Springfield edges out Houston on housing costs by 16%, a difference of $36,500. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.8%
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
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 21 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
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
15
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Springfield has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Springfield: Common Questions
Is Houston or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Springfield is more affordable overall. Home prices are $36,500 lower in Springfield. Monthly rent is $1,047 in Springfield vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Springfield have better weather?
Springfield scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Springfield better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.8% in Springfield. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $47,677 in Springfield.
Which city is safer — Houston or Springfield?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Springfield is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 15 in Springfield. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Springfield.
Should I move from Houston to Springfield?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Springfield's 70.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Springfield is more affordable, while Springfield 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.