Houston and Austin report comparing two Texas cities

Thanks to a new study from Redfin, we may finally have an answer to the age-old question: Which Texas city is better: Austin or Houston?

Texas has experienced significant population growth in recent years, and that trend is expected to continue as individuals and families from other parts of the country move to the Lone Star State. Houston and Austin are two of the main destinations, but for very different reasons. Even if it doesn’t clearly show that one city is the winner, this study provides some interesting data for future Texas residents comparing the two cities. These pros and cons may be exactly what you need to make an informed decision about where to settle based on your personal preferences and needs.

Here are some comparison points between Houston and Austin to help you decide which city is right for you.

The median sale price of homes in Austin is approximately $540,000. In Houston, that number is even lower at $348,000. Houston’s suburban sprawl keeps the housing market more affordable than Austin. In Austin, the growth of the high-tech industry and a more fashion-forward, creative lifestyle are the main factors keeping real estate demand and prices high.

When it comes to renting a home, there isn’t much of a difference in rent in the two cities, with Houston’s median rent being $1,245, while Austin’s median rent is $1,397. Houston has a slightly lower rental market, which is likely due to the abundance of rentable space around the city (including areas outside the Loop), keeping prices down.

Overall, the cost of living in Austin is only 3% higher than in Houston. Still, there are some important ways in which the spread of money differs slightly between cities. As mentioned above, housing is a big factor in the difference in cost of living, but it’s not the only thing that makes one city more economically accessible than another. Interestingly, real estate in Austin is more expensive than Houston, but the cost of living is 12% lower. Austin’s music, arts, and culture scene is, on average, much more affordable than Houston. Houston is not a city focused on live music, so big concerts are much heavier than local shows and expensive compared to Austin, which has a good balance of accessible shows and big acts. .

Austin boasts outstanding professional opportunities in technology and a strong education sector, making it a highly desirable place to settle. With a median household income of $92,000, an employment rate of 72%, and an average hourly wage of $33.25, this city offers great earning potential for newcomers. Giant companies such as Apple and Tesla also contribute to its image as a vibrant technology hub.

Houston’s job market is also nothing to scoff at. The city is famous for having an energy-driven economy, with thousands of jobs created in that sector alone. Additionally, in addition to access to a robust health care system and a port as a giant of international trade, Houston offers many opportunities for career advancement. A 64% employment rate, median household income of $62,000, and median hourly wage of $30.54 provide good evidence for the claim that it is one of the best places to live in Texas.

Lifestyle and things to do

The survey lists all the activities in both cities that an Otiti or Houstonian might want to explore in the future, and where you want to put down roots will depend on what you want to do.

Austin is known for its abundance of outdoor activities and great live music scene. Popular activities in Austin include enjoying live music at iconic venues like the Continental Club, exploring the Zilker Botanical Garden, and visiting the Blanton Museum of Art.

While Houston has some notable outdoor attractions of its own (like running along Buffalo Bayou), it’s best known for its cultural activities. Popular activities in the city include touring the Houston Museum of Natural Science and other facilities in the famous Museum District, exploring the Houston Space Center, and visiting the Houston Zoo.

This section is the most difficult to compare studies due to the lack of data. It’s also a kind of atmospheric test, with different results depending on which city’s amenities appeal to your personal tastes.

Austin’s food scene is known for its Central Texas barbecue, from classic spots like Franklin BBQ to new favorites like Interstellar BBQ. In addition to food, the capital city is also home to popular cultural events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL), making it a must-visit destination for people across the country each year.

Houston’s culinary strength lies in its unique diversity as one of the country’s international hubs. From Vietnamese to Cajun to West African cuisine and everything in between, Houston offers a variety of great cuisines that you can’t match in any other city. This study also focuses on the Houston Theater District and its large-scale celebration of Texas culture, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Redfin’s research also focused on team sports, with Houston beating Austin in the Pro League. (Austin holds its own among college teams, though.) Not surprisingly, Houston and Austin similarly desperately need improved walkability, bikeability, and public transportation. However, both scored poorly on the survey’s indicators.

Looking at the full report, even as a biased Houstonian, the two Texas cities are pretty evenly matched overall. (Houston was ranked higher than Austin in a recent world city ranking, so the battle seems to be in our favor for now.)