Thinking about Seattle vs. Houston as your next move? Well, you’re in the right place as we compare both cities!
When considering a move to a new city, various factors come into play, such as cost of living, safety, employment opportunities, and quality of education. Seattle and Houston are two cities that offer diverse lifestyles and opportunities.
This report aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Seattle and Houston across multiple criteria to help you make an informed decision.
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Seattle vs. Houston Quick Summary:
| Criteria | Seattle | Houston | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $1,995/month | $1,295/month | Houston is more affordable |
| 2-Bedroom Rent | $2,768/month | $1,578/month | Houston is more affordable |
| House Cost | $823,900 | $349,600 | Houston is more affordable |
| Income Tax | No state income tax | No state income tax | Equal |
| Property Tax | 1.025% | 2.13% | Seattle has lower property tax |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% | Houston has lower sales tax |
| Grocery Bill | $502.82/month | $387.71/month | Houston is more affordable |
| Healthcare Costs | $5,040/year | $7,068/year | Seattle has lower healthcare costs |
| Overall Crime Rate | 63.50/1,000 people | 54.73/1,000 people | Houston has a lower overall crime rate |
| Violent Crime Rate | 8.02/1,000 people | 12.40/1,000 people | Seattle has a lower violent crime rate |
| Property Crime Rate | 55.47/1,000 people | 42.33/1,000 people | Houston has a lower property crime rate |
| Police Response Time | 10 minutes | 8 minutes | Houston has faster police response |
| Ambulance Response Time | 11 minutes | 8 minutes 10 sec | Houston has faster ambulance response |
| Average Salary | $75,594/year | $60,617/year | Seattle offers higher average salary |
| Minimum Wage | $18.69/hr | $7.25/hr | Seattle has a higher minimum wage |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% | 4.8% | Seattle has a lower unemployment rate |
| University Rankings | #55 in US | #18 in US | Houston has higher-ranked universities |
| Graduation Rates | 86% | 85.7% | Almost equal |
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1. Cost of Living
Understanding the cost of living is crucial for anyone considering a move, as it directly impacts your budget and lifestyle choices.
Avg. Cost of 1 Bed Room Rent
| Seattle | Houston |
| $1,995/month | $1,295/month |
Seattle’s average 1-bedroom rent of $1,995/month is significantly higher than Houston’s $1,295/month.
If you’re a single individual or a couple, Houston offers a more budget-friendly option.
Consider the overall cost of living in each city, not just rent. While rent may be cheaper in Houston, other factors like healthcare and property taxes could offset these savings.
Avg. Cost 2 Bed Room Rent
| Seattle | Houston |
| $2,768/month | $1,578/month |
Seattle’s 2-bedroom rent of $2,768/month is also much higher compared to Houston’s $1,578/month.
Families or those needing more space could save substantially by choosing Houston.
If you have children or plan to, consider the quality of local schools and proximity to work, as these could affect your overall satisfaction and commuting costs.
Avg. Cost of A House
| Seattle | Houston |
| $823,900 | $349,600 |
The average house cost in Seattle is $823,900, which is more than double Houston’s average of $349,600.
This could be a significant factor for potential homebuyers.
Seattle’s housing market has been experiencing rapid appreciation, which could be an advantage for investment.
However, Houston offers more affordable entry points for first-time homebuyers.
Income Tax
| Seattle | Houston |
| No state income tax | No state income tax |
Both Seattle and Houston have no state income tax, making them attractive for those looking to maximize their take-home pay.
While there’s no state income tax, don’t forget to consider federal taxes and other local taxes below that apply.
Property Tax
| Seattle | Houston |
| 1.025% | 2.13% |
Houston has a higher property tax rate at 2.13% compared to Seattle’s 1.025%. This could affect your annual housing costs.
High property taxes in Houston could significantly affect your monthly mortgage payments and should be factored into your budget. However, the cost of a house (as seen above) in Houston is half of what is Seattle’s.
Sales Tax
| Seattle | Houston |
| 10.25% | 8.25% |
Seattle has a higher sales tax at 10.25% compared to Houston’s 8.25%, which could impact your overall spending.
If you make large purchases regularly, the higher sales tax in Seattle could definitely add up over time.
Minimum Grocery Bill per Month
| Seattle | Houston |
| $502.82/month recommended minimum | $387.71/month recommended minimum |
The recommended minimum grocery bill in Seattle is $502.82/month, which is higher than Houston’s $387.71/month.
Consider the types of foods you regularly purchase. Specialty or organic foods may be more expensive in one city compared to the other.
Average Healthcare Costs
| Seattle | Houston |
| $5,040 (average single adult) | $7,068 (average cost of a Silver health insurance plan in Texas) |
Healthcare costs are higher in Houston at $7,068/year compared to Seattle’s $5,040/year.
If you have specific healthcare needs or require frequent medical attention, the higher costs in Houston could be a significant factor in your decision-making process.
🤓 See the 20 pros and cons of living in Seattle here!
2. Crime & Safety
Safety is a paramount concern for everyone, especially those with families or those relocating to a new city.
Understanding crime rates and response times can significantly influence your perception of security and your choice of neighborhood.
Both cities have their pros and cons when it comes to safety. Seattle has a higher overall and property crime rate, while Houston has a higher violent crime rate but faster emergency response times.
Overall Crime Rate
| Seattle | Houston |
| 63.50 per 1,000 people | 54.73 per 1,000 people |
Seattle has a higher overall crime rate of 63.50 per 1,000 people compared to Houston’s 54.73 per 1,000 people.
The national average is around 46 per 1,000, making both cities higher than the national average but Seattle more so.
A higher overall crime rate in Seattle may require additional safety measures, such as home security systems or choosing neighborhoods with community watch programs.
Violent Crime Rate
| Seattle | Houston |
| 8.02 per 1,000 people | 12.40 per 1,000 people |
Houston has a higher violent crime rate at 12.40 per 1,000 people compared to Seattle’s 8.02 per 1,000 people.
If personal safety is a top priority, Houston’s higher violent crime rate could be a significant deterrent.
This might be especially relevant for families with children or for those who commute late at night.
Property Crime Rate
| Seattle | Houston |
| 55.47 per 1,000 people | 42.33 per 1,000 people |
Seattle has a higher property crime rate at 55.47 per 1,000 people compared to Houston’s 42.33 per 1,000 people.
If you own valuable property or are considering buying a home, Seattle’s higher property crime rate might necessitate additional insurance coverage or security measures.
Police Response Time
| Seattle | Houston |
| 10 Minutes | 8 Minutes |
Houston has a faster police response time at 8 minutes compared to Seattle’s 10 minutes. The national average is around 9 minutes.
Faster police response times in Houston could be a deciding factor if you’re concerned about immediate intervention in case of emergencies.
Ambulance Response Time
| Seattle | Houston |
| 11 Minutes | 8 Minutes 10 Seconds |
Ambulance response is also faster in Houston at 8 minutes 10 seconds compared to Seattle’s 11 minutes. There is no readily available national average for ambulance response times.
If you or a family member has a medical condition that could require rapid emergency response, Houston’s faster ambulance times could be a life-saving advantage.
3. Career & Employment
Career opportunities and employment conditions are crucial considerations for working professionals, especially those contemplating relocation for job prospects.
Your earning potential and job security can significantly impact your quality of life and long-term financial stability.
Seattle offers higher average salaries and a lower unemployment rate, making it potentially more attractive for career-focused individuals.
However, Houston’s lower cost of living could offset its lower average salary, especially for those just starting their careers or working minimum-wage jobs.
Average Annual Salary
| Seattle | Houston |
| $75,594/year | $60,617/year |
Seattle offers a higher average annual salary of $75,594 compared to Houston’s $60,617.
The national average salary is approximately $56,000, making Seattle’s average salary considerably higher and Houston’s slightly above the national average.
But of course, the cost of living in Seattle is significantly higher.
Minimum Wage
| Seattle | Houston |
| $18.69/hr | $7.25/hr |
Seattle’s minimum wage of $18.69/hr is significantly higher than Houston’s federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
For entry-level or lower-wage workers, Seattle’s higher minimum wage could substantially improve your standard of living.
However, it’s essential to balance this with the city’s higher cost of living.
Unemployment Rate
| Seattle | Houston |
| 3.4% | 4.8% |
Seattle has a lower unemployment rate at 3.4% compared to Houston’s 4.8%.
The national average unemployment rate is around 6%.
A lower unemployment rate in Seattle suggests a more robust job market, potentially offering more job security and opportunities.
However, industries prevalent in each city could affect these rates differently, so it’s advisable to research your specific field.
4. Education
Education is a cornerstone for personal and community development.
Both Seattle and Houston place a high emphasis on quality education, focusing on equity, family engagement, and professional development to create a positive learning environment for students.
University Rankings
| University of Washington | Rice University |
| #55 in US | #18 in US |
Rice University in Houston ranks significantly higher at #18 in the US compared to the University of Washington in Seattle, which ranks at #55.
For families with college-bound students or individuals seeking higher education, the prestige of Rice University might be a compelling reason to consider Houston.
However, rankings aren’t everything; program specifics and campus culture are also important.
Graduation Rates
| Seattle | Houston |
| 86% | 85.7% |
Both cities have commendable graduation rates, with Seattle at 86% and Houston at 85.7%, both of which are above the national average of approximately 84%.
High graduation rates often indicate strong educational systems, dedicated teachers, and engaged communities.
Either city would be a good choice for families prioritizing education.
5. Weather and Climate
Weather and climate can profoundly affect your daily life, from the clothes you wear to the activities you can enjoy.
Seattle is often dubbed as the “Rainy City” due to its high average days of rain. But its close proximity to nature and outdoor recreation can be alluring to those who can ignore the rain.
Average Temperature
| Season | Seattle | Houston |
| Fall | 53°F – 64°F | 65°F – 82°F |
| Winter | 38°F – 47°F | 47°F – 64°F |
| Spring | 53°F – 64°F | 63°F – 79°F |
| Summer | 58°F – 77°F | 77°F – 94°F |
Seattle offers a more temperate climate, ideal for those who prefer milder weather.
In contrast, Houston has hotter summers and milder winters, which might appeal to those who enjoy a warmer climate.
Your preference for hot or cold weather can significantly impact your quality of life in either city.
Weather Characteristics
| Seattle | Houston |
| mild temperatures, considerable cloudiness, and a pronounced rainy season | mild winters, hot and humid summers, ample rainfall, and the potential for severe weather events |
Seattle is known for its mild temperatures, cloudiness, and a pronounced rainy season.
Houston, on the other hand, experiences mild winters but hot and humid summers. It also has the potential for severe weather events like hurricanes.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, Seattle’s climate is more conducive to year-round outdoor engagement.
However, Houston’s weather allows for hot summer activities but comes with the risk of severe weather events, which could be a significant concern for some residents.
Sources:
Cost of Living: [1], [2]. [3]. [4]. [5]. [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15]
Crime: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]
Career & Employment: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
Education: [1]. [2], [3], [4], [5]
Weather and Climate: [1], [2]
Both cities have their pros and cons, and the best choice ultimately depends on your personal priorities, be it financial, educational, or lifestyle-related.
This report aims to serve as a guide in weighing those factors to make the best decision for your circumstances.
See still not sold on Seattle? See how Seattle compares with New York City, Portland, and Chicago.