71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 1–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Tampa has lower unemployment
🛡️ Houston has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Tampa — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Tampa (68.2/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 29% lower. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 29% lower — a difference of $98,200 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $187/month — that's $2,244 per year.
💵
Households in Tampa earn $6,362 more per year (11% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$235,000
$333,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,422
Median Income
$60,440
$66,802
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 29% lower than Tampa, translating to $98,200 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
20 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
23
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Tampa: Common Questions
Is Houston or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $98,200 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,422 in Tampa.
Does Houston or Tampa have better weather?
Tampa scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Tampa better for finding a job?
Tampa currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Tampa. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $66,802 in Tampa.
Which city is safer — Houston or Tampa?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Houston is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 23 in Tampa. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tampa.
Should I move from Houston to Tampa?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Tampa's 68.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Tampa 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.