71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
Houston wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Syracuse wins 2–1 overall (72/100)
💰 Syracuse is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Syracuse has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Syracuse — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Syracuse's 72.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Syracuse has a clear edge with home prices 50% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Syracuse has a notably lower disaster history with 16 fewer declarations in 20 years. Syracuse may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Syracuse are 50% lower — a difference of $117,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Syracuse saves you $303/month — that's $3,636 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $16,856 more per year (39% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 25 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Syracuse has experienced 16 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$117,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$932
Median Income
$60,440
$43,584
The affordability gap is significant — Syracuse offers home prices 50% lower than Houston, translating to $117,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.6%
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
37 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 25 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
5
Syracuse has a markedly lower disaster history — 16 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Syracuse: Common Questions
Is Houston or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Syracuse is more affordable overall. Home prices are $117,100 lower in Syracuse. Monthly rent is $932 in Syracuse vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Syracuse have better weather?
Syracuse scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Syracuse better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.6% in Syracuse. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $43,584 in Syracuse.
Which city is safer — Houston or Syracuse?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Syracuse is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Syracuse. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Syracuse.
Should I move from Houston to Syracuse?
Based on our data, Syracuse scores 72.8/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Syracuse is more affordable, while Syracuse 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.