71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
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)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Tacoma has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Tacoma — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Tacoma's 63.8/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 43% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Tacoma has a notably lower disaster history with 12 fewer declarations in 20 years. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 43% lower — a difference of $180,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $254/month — that's $3,048 per year.
💵
Households in Tacoma earn $18,645 more per year (31% higher median income).
🛡️
Tacoma has experienced 12 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$415,300
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,489
Median Income
$60,440
$79,085
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 43% lower than Tacoma, translating to $180,300 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.7%
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
18 Good
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
9
Tacoma has a markedly lower disaster history — 12 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Tacoma: Common Questions
Is Houston or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $180,300 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,489 in Tacoma.
Does Houston or Tacoma have better weather?
Tacoma scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Tacoma better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.7% in Tacoma. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $79,085 in Tacoma.
Which city is safer — Houston or Tacoma?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tacoma is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 9 in Tacoma. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tacoma.
Should I move from Houston to Tacoma?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Tacoma's 63.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Tacoma 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.