71
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
66
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
🛡️ Worcester has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Worcester — The Verdict
Houston scores 71.2/100 compared to Worcester's 66.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Houston has a clear edge with home prices 23% lower. Houston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Houston are 23% lower — a difference of $70,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Houston saves you $77/month — that's $924 per year.
📊
Houston has a 0.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 21 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Worcester has experienced 4 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$305,600
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,312
Median Income
$60,440
$63,011
The affordability gap is significant — Houston offers home prices 23% lower than Worcester, translating to $70,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Houston having a slight edge at 4.3% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
33 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 21 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
17
Hurricane Risk
High
Moderate
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Houston to Worcester: Common Questions
Is Houston or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Houston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $70,600 lower in Houston. Monthly rent is $1,235 in Houston vs $1,312 in Worcester.
Does Houston or Worcester have better weather?
Worcester scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Worcester better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.8% in Worcester. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $63,011 in Worcester.
Which city is safer — Houston or Worcester?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Worcester is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 17 in Worcester. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Worcester.
Should I move from Houston to Worcester?
Based on our data, Houston scores 71.2/100 vs Worcester's 66.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Houston is more affordable, while Worcester 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.