71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Houston wins 2–2 overall (71/100)
💰 Houston is more affordable
💼 Tempe has lower unemployment
🛡️ Tempe has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Tempe — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Tempe (63.5/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 38% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Tempe 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 38% lower — a difference of $147,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $237/month — that's $2,844 per year.
💵
Households in Tempe earn $11,582 more per year (19% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 26 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Tempe has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$382,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,472
Median Income
$60,440
$72,022
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 38% lower than Tempe, translating to $147,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.3%
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
Tempe 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 Tempe: Common Questions
Is Houston or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $147,100 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,472 in Tempe.
Does Houston or Tempe have better weather?
Tempe scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Tempe better for finding a job?
Tempe currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.3% in Tempe. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $72,022 in Tempe.
Which city is safer — Houston or Tempe?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Tempe is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Tempe. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tempe.
Should I move from Houston to Tempe?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Tempe's 63.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Tempe 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.