71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Wichita wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Wichita wins 0–3 overall (77/100)
💰 Wichita is more affordable
💼 Wichita has lower unemployment
🛡️ Wichita has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Wichita — The Verdict
Wichita scores 77.2/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Wichita has a clear edge with home prices 29% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Wichita has a notably lower disaster history with 14 fewer declarations in 20 years. Wichita may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Wichita are 29% lower — a difference of $68,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Wichita saves you $320/month — that's $3,840 per year.
📊
Wichita has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Wichita has experienced 14 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$166,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$915
Median Income
$60,440
$60,712
The affordability gap is significant — Wichita offers home prices 29% lower than Houston, translating to $68,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Wichita having a slight edge at 3.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
21 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
7
Wichita has a markedly lower disaster history — 14 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Wichita: Common Questions
Is Houston or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Wichita is more affordable overall. Home prices are $68,600 lower in Wichita. Monthly rent is $915 in Wichita vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Wichita have better weather?
Wichita scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Wichita better for finding a job?
Wichita currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.8% in Wichita. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $60,712 in Wichita.
Which city is safer — Houston or Wichita?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Wichita is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 7 in Wichita. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Wichita.
Should I move from Houston to Wichita?
Based on our data, Wichita scores 77.2/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Wichita is more affordable, while Wichita 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.