Let the numbers do the talking.
Austin, TX vs Houston, TX
Austin, TX vs Houston, TX: What the data shows
Austin, TX is in Austin, TX while Houston, TX is in Houston, TX — both in the same state. On home prices, Houston, TX is the more affordable option at $553,800 median — $640,400 less than Austin, TX's $1,194,200. WYLT rates Austin, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Houston, TX as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Austin, TX has the stronger safety profile of the two. Austin, TX has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Houston, TX has High violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Austin, TX has Low flood risk and Houston, TX has Low flood risk.
Houston, TX is the more walkable neighborhood. Austin, TX scores 14/100 (car-dependent) versus Houston, TX's 45/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Austin, TX has the higher school rating — Austin, TX rates 7.4/10 and Houston, TX rates 7.2/10.
| Category | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $1.19M | $554K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $140K | $141K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 14/100 | 45/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 14/100 ✓ Better transit | 2/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 54/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 6 min ✓ Shorter commute | 9 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.2/10 |
| Best for | High‑income professionalsRemote workers with budgetStudents needing proximity to downtown | Young professionalsFamilies seeking affordable housingRenters |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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