Houston
Texas
Pop. 2,296,253
VS
Springfield
Missouri
Pop. 168,873

Full comparison across 7 data categories from U.S. government sources

71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Springfield wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
⚡ TL;DR
Springfield wins 0–2 overall (77/100)
💰 Springfield is more affordable
💼 Springfield has lower unemployment
🛡️ Springfield has fewer disasters

📋 Houston vs Springfield — The Verdict

Springfield scores 77.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Springfield has a clear edge with home prices 38% lower. Springfield may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.

💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Springfield are 38% lower — a difference of $88,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Springfield saves you $357/month — that's $4,284 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $16,990 more per year (39% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 15 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
💰 Houston vs Springfield: Cost of Living Comparison
80
vs
100
Median Home Value
$235,000
$146,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$878
Median Income
$60,440
$43,450
Electricity ¢/kWh
¢
¢
The affordability gap is significant — Springfield offers home prices 38% lower than Houston, translating to $88,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
💼 Houston vs Springfield: Job Market & Salaries
55
vs
60
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.9%
Job Growth YoY
%
%
Labor Force
N/A
N/A
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.
🌡️ Houston vs Springfield: Weather & Climate
50
vs
50
Summer High
°F
°F
Winter Low
°F
°F
Sunny Days /yr
Annual Rain
"
"
Annual Snow
"
"
📊 See Full City Rankings →
🌿 Houston vs Springfield: Air Quality & Environment
100
vs
100
Air Quality (AQI)
12
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Water Violations
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
🌐 Houston vs Springfield: Internet & Infrastructure
50
vs
50
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
ISP Providers
0
0
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.
⚠️ Houston vs Springfield: Natural Disaster Risk
95
vs
95
Disasters (20 years)
21
19
Flood Zone
None
None
Earthquake Risk
Low
Low
Hurricane Risk
High
Low
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.

❓ Moving from Houston to Springfield: Common Questions

Is Houston or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Springfield is more affordable overall. Home prices are $88,600 lower in Springfield. Monthly rent is $878 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?
Springfield currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.9% in Springfield. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $43,450 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 19 in Springfield. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Springfield.
Should I move from Houston to Springfield?
Based on our data, Springfield scores 77.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 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 4, 2026.