Performance
Score Breakdown
Houston
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Houston is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
29% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Houston's average rent is
39% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Houston | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,199 | $1,951 | -39% |
| Groceries | $400 | $418 | -4% |
| Utilities | $180 | $294 | -39% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $92 | +63% |
| Monthly Total | $2,049 | $2,875 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 97 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Houston offers 30% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Houston delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Houston is estimated at
$55,000 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | Houston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $98,122 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 101,157 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $64,361 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Houston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tampa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Houston.
Houston scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Houston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 77.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Houston is the larger city
— approximately 6x the population of Tampa.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tampa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Houston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,390,125 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.20% | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 34.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.40% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $697.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Houston
Advantages
Houston's cost of living is below the national average, particularly for housing.
The city boasts a strong and diversified job market with significant growth in sectors like energy, healthcare, and construction.
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, offering world-class healthcare facilities and expertise.
The metropolitan area's GDP reached a record $697 billion in 2023, leading major U.S. metros in two-year GDP growth.
New business announcements increased by 30% in 2024, indicating a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
Drawbacks
Houston experiences hot and humid summers with a heat index frequently reaching 100-110°F or higher.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, with commuters losing an average of 77 hours due to delays in 2024.
The city has a high crime rate compared to many other U.S. communities, with a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime.
Houston is highly car-dependent, with public transportation not being the primary mode of transit for most residents.
While homicides decreased in 2024, overall violent crime increased by 4.57% from 2023 to 2024.
Tampa
Advantages
Strong and diverse job market with growth in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
More affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities and national averages, especially in housing.
Vibrant cultural scene with numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Warm climate and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches and parks.
Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with support for startups and business innovation.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options for some areas.
Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, requiring awareness of safety in specific areas.
Humidity and heat during summer months can be intense.
Housing market, while relatively affordable, has seen price increases and can be competitive.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Houston
#31Texas, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,199
Avg Salary
$98,122
Cost Index
97
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.20%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
78
Tampa
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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