Category / Metric	Gulfport	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$47,564	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.8%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$175,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$136	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$923	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	61.0	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	291.2	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	20.6%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	44

Houston vs. Gulfport: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston—a sprawling, energy-packed metropolis where ambition goes to fuel up. On the other, Gulfport—a coastal Mississippi hideaway where the pace slows to the rhythm of the tides.

This isn't just a choice between a big city and a small town. It’s a choice between two entirely different versions of American life. Whether you're a young professional chasing a career, a family looking for roots, or a retiree seeking peace, the data tells a story. Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

Houston is a beast. With a population of 2.3 million, it’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. It’s a chameleon—one minute you’re in the upscale Galleria, the next you’re in the historic Montrose, and twenty minutes later you’re in NASA country. It’s diverse, cosmopolitan, and frankly, it’s relentless. The energy here is palpable; it’s a city of transplants, dreamers, and people who work hard to play hard.

Gulfport, on the other hand, is the definition of coastal Southern charm. With a population of just 72,824, it’s intimate and laid-back. Life revolves around the water—beaches, fishing, and sunsets are the main events. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, and the "rush hour" lasts for about ten minutes. The vibe is unpretentious, deeply rooted in community, and undeniably slow.

Who is it for?

Houston is for the hungry. The career-driven, the culture-vultures, the foodies, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a global city.
Gulfport is for the soul-seekers. The artists, the retirees, the remote workers, and anyone who prioritizes peace over prestige.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the gap becomes a canyon. Let’s be real: your paycheck stretches a lot further in Mississippi than it does in Texas.

Purchasing Power: If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your effective purchasing power is roughly equivalent to earning $70,000 in Gulfport. Wait, that sounds backward, right? Think about it: while Gulfport is cheaper, the median income there is only $47,564. A six-figure salary in Houston puts you in a very comfortable bracket, but in Gulfport, you’d be a high roller. However, the sheer volume of amenities, dining, and entertainment in Houston comes with a price tag.

The Tax Twist: Here’s the kicker. Texas has 0% state income tax. Mississippi has a progressive income tax ranging from 0% to 5%. For a high earner in Houston, that’s an instant raise. For a lower earner in Gulfport, it’s a manageable hit.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Houston	Gulfport	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$175,000	Gulfport wins, hands down. You can own a home for half the price.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$923	Gulfport is cheaper, but the gap is smaller than you'd think.
Housing Index	106.5	61.0	Gulfport is 38% cheaper for housing than the national average. Houston is slightly above average.
Utilities	Higher (AC costs)	Moderate	Houston wins for higher electric bills due to brutal summers.
Groceries	Slightly Higher	Lower	Everyday items are cheaper in Mississippi.

Verdict on Dollar Power: If you’re bringing a big-city salary to Gulfport, you’ll live like a king. But if you’re earning the local median ($47k), life is tight. In Houston, a six-figure salary is comfortable but not extravagant. Gulfport offers better raw value, but Houston offers more lucrative career opportunities.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston is a Seller’s Market. The median home price is $335,000, and competition is fierce. You’re often bidding against investors and other buyers. Rent is high because demand is high. If you want to buy here, you need a solid down payment and patience.

Gulfport is a Buyer’s Paradise. The median home price is $175,000. For the price of a starter home in Houston, you can get a spacious house with a yard near the water in Gulfport. Rent is affordable, and the market is less volatile.

Insight: In Houston, you’re often renting to stay flexible in a fast-moving job market. In Gulfport, buying is a realistic goal for many, offering stability and long-term equity for a fraction of the cost.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston is notorious. With a car-centric layout and massive sprawl, commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes one way. Public transit exists but is limited. Traffic is a daily reality.
Gulfport is a breeze. Commutes are typically under 15 minutes. The biggest delay might be a slow-moving pickup truck on Highway 90. Stress levels are significantly lower.

Weather

Houston is a humid beast. Summers are long, hot, and sticky, with highs routinely hitting 95°F and feeling like 110°F. Winters are mild, but the humidity is a year-round factor.
Gulfport has a similar humid subtropical climate but benefits from the Gulf breeze. It’s still hot and humid in summer, but the coastal winds can offer relief. It’s also in a hurricane zone, which Houston is too, but Gulfport is directly on the water.

Crime & Safety

This is a stark contrast.

Houston (Violent Crime Rate): 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a genuine concern citywide.
Gulfport (Violent Crime Rate): 291.2 per 100,000. This is much closer to the national average and is over 68% lower than Houston’s rate.

The Reality: Safety is a top priority for most people. Gulfport offers a significantly safer environment, especially for families and retirees looking for peace of mind.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but based on the data and lifestyle factors, here’s the breakdown.

Winner for Families: GULFPORT

Why: The combination of safer neighborhoods (291.2 vs. 912.4 crime rate), lower cost of living, and strong community feel makes it a haven for raising kids. You can afford a house with a yard, and the slower pace reduces stress. Houston is possible, but you’ll pay more, worry more, and likely deal with longer school commutes.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: HOUSTON

Why: Career opportunities are unmatched. The energy, the networking, the food scene, and the nightlife are all in Houston’s favor. Yes, it’s more expensive and competitive, but for someone in their 20s or 30s looking to climb the ladder, Houston is the engine. Gulfport’s job market is limited unless you’re in tourism, marine, or remote work.

Winner for Retirees: GULFPORT

Why: This is a no-brainer. Lower cost of living means retirement savings go further. Significantly lower crime means safety and peace of mind. The laid-back coastal lifestyle is ideal for relaxation. Houston’s hustle and traffic are the opposite of what most retirees want.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

HOUSTON

Pros:

Massive Job Market: Unmatched opportunities in energy, healthcare, and tech.
World-Class Culture: Incredible museums, theater, and arguably the best food scene in America.
Diversity: A true melting pot.
0% State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.
International Airport: Easy global travel.

Cons:

High Cost of Living: Especially housing.
Brutal Traffic & Commutes: Car dependency is mandatory.
High Crime Rate: Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood.
Extreme Humidity & Heat: Summers are oppressive.
Sprawl: Can feel impersonal and disconnected.

GULFPORT