71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Surprise wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–3 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Surprise has lower unemployment
🛡️ Surprise has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Surprise — The Verdict
Surprise scores 63.5/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 33% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Surprise has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 33% lower — a difference of $117,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $587/month — that's $7,044 per year.
💵
Households in Surprise earn $27,316 more per year (45% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 26 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Surprise has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$352,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,822
Median Income
$60,440
$87,756
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 33% lower than Surprise, translating to $117,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
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.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
38 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 26 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
11
Surprise has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Surprise: Common Questions
Is Houston or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $117,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,822 in Surprise.
Does Houston or Surprise have better weather?
Surprise scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Surprise better for finding a job?
Surprise currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Surprise. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $87,756 in Surprise.
Which city is safer — Houston or Surprise?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Surprise is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Surprise. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Surprise.
Should I move from Houston to Surprise?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Surprise's 63.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Surprise 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.