📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lee's Summit and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lee's Summit vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lee's Summit | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $100,625 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $380,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $167 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $886 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 88.1 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.0 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | — | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 28 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Lee's Summit: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
You’re staring at a map, caught between two worlds. On one side, you have Houston, Texas—a sprawling, humid, energy-packed beast of a city. On the other, Lee’s Summit, Missouri—a polished, affluent suburb of Kansas City that feels like it was designed for a Hallmark movie.
You’re not just comparing zip codes; you’re choosing a lifestyle. Do you want the "Big City" energy or the "Perfect Suburb" comfort? Let’s cut through the noise, look at the data, and figure out where you actually belong.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
Houston is the definition of a "drive-everywhere" metropolis. It’s gritty, diverse, and unapologetically massive. The culture here is a mix of Southern hospitality, international flair (thanks to the energy and medical sectors), and a hustle mentality. It’s a city of transplants; nobody is "from" Houston, which makes it easy to fit in but hard to find that deep-rooted community feel. If you crave anonymity, world-class food (from BBQ to Vietnamese), and the thrill of a major league sports scene, Houston is your playground.
Lee’s Summit is the picture of established, family-centric suburbia. It’s part of the Greater Kansas City metro, offering a quieter pace with big-city amenities just a 30-minute drive away. The vibe is safe, clean, and community-oriented. Think farmers' markets, top-rated school districts, and neighborhoods where kids ride bikes until the streetlights come on. It’s for people who value stability, safety, and a strong sense of "home" over nightlife and urban buzz.
Who is it for?
- Houston: Ambitious young professionals, foodies, families who want endless activities, and anyone who can't stand cold weather.
- Lee’s Summit: Growing families, mid-career professionals seeking a safe haven, and retirees who want a peaceful environment without being isolated.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the story gets interesting. Lee’s Summit boasts a significantly higher median income ($100,625) compared to Houston’s ($62,637). But is that money actually worth more? Let's break it down.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense Category | Houston, TX | Lee's Summit, MO | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $380,000 | Houston |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $886 | Lee's Summit |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 88.1 | Lee's Summit |
| Utilities | High (A/C is brutal) | Moderate | Lee's Summit |
| Groceries | Slightly Above Avg. | Near National Avg. | Lee's Summit |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4.95% | Houston |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the kicker. If you earn $100,000 in Lee’s Summit, you’re in the top tier of earners. Your money goes far in a market with a lower housing index (88.1 vs. Houston’s 106.5). You can afford a nicer home, save more, and live comfortably.
But if you earn $100,000 in Houston, you’re still doing well, but you’re competing in a more expensive housing market. The lack of state income tax in Texas is a massive boost to your take-home pay. It effectively gives you a ~5% raise compared to Lee’s Summit’s 4.95% state tax.
The Verdict on Spending Power: Lee’s Summit wins for sheer value. The combination of a high median income and a lower cost of living (especially housing) means your paycheck stretches further. However, Houston’s no-income-tax edge helps close the gap for high earners. Lee’s Summit is the clear winner for maximizing your dollar.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston: The Sprawling Sprawl
- Renting: With a median rent of $1,135, it’s affordable for a major metro, but you get less space for your money. The market is competitive, but inventory is high due to constant expansion.
- Buying: The median home price of $335,000 is surprisingly reasonable for a city of its size. However, you’re often buying older homes or new construction on the far-out edges (hello, traffic). The "Housing Index" of 106.5 means it’s more expensive than the national average, but not by a punishing margin.
Lee’s Summit: The Competitive Suburb
- Renting: At $886, it’s a steal for a safe, well-maintained area. However, rental inventory is low. You’re competing with families who want to rent before buying.
- Buying: The median price of $380,000 is higher than Houston’s, but you’re paying for location, school districts, and safety. With a Housing Index of 88.1, it’s below the national average, offering fantastic value. The market here is a seller’s market. Homes sell fast, often above asking price, because demand is fierce from families fleeing pricier coastal cities.
Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Market:
- Houston: A balanced market leaning toward buyers in some suburbs, but competitive in desirable inner loops.
- Lee’s Summit: A strong seller’s market. If you’re buying, be prepared to move fast and bid competitively.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Houston is infamous for its traffic. The average commute time is 29 minutes, but that can easily double during rush hour. The city is built for cars, and public transit (Metro) is limited. You will spend time in your car.
Lee’s Summit offers a dream commute. Most residents work in the Kansas City metro, and the drive is typically 20-30 minutes on well-maintained highways. Traffic exists but is nowhere near Houston levels.
Weather
Houston: 59°F average sounds mild, but it’s a lie. Summers are brutal, with heat indices regularly hitting 105°F+ and suffocating humidity. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing), but hurricane season is a real threat.
Lee’s Summit: 36°F average tells the truth. You get four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant (highs in the 80s/90s), but winters are cold with snow and ice. Fall is gorgeous; spring is volatile (tornado season is a consideration).
Crime & Safety
This is the most stark contrast.
- Houston: Violent Crime rate is 912.4 per 100k. This is significantly above the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, you must be diligent about where you live.
- Lee’s Summit: Violent Crime rate is 234.0 per 100k. This is dramatically lower, even below the national average. It’s one of the safest cities of its size in the region.
Safety Verdict: Lee’s Summit wins by a landslide. If safety is a top priority, this isn’t even a contest.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?
After crunching the numbers and living the lifestyles, here’s the breakdown.
Winner for Families: Lee's Summit
Why: The trifecta of safety (234 violent crime rate), top-tier schools, and a family-centric community is unbeatable. The higher median income ($100,625) allows for a comfortable lifestyle in a safe environment. You can buy a great home, and your kids can play outside without worry. Houston’s traffic and safety concerns are significant drawbacks for raising a family.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston
Why: The energy, diversity, and opportunity are unmatched. You can find a niche in any industry (Energy, Tech, Medicine). The dating scene is massive, and the food/nightlife is world-class. While Lee’s Summit is quiet and settled, Houston is alive and evolving. The lower entry cost for renting ($1,135) compared to other major metros is a bonus.
Winner for Retirees: Lee's Summit
Why: Safety is paramount in retirement. Lee’s Summit offers a peaceful, low-stress environment with excellent healthcare access via Kansas City. The cost of living is manageable, especially if you’ve sold a home from a more expensive market. Houston’s humidity, traffic, and higher crime can be overwhelming for seniors seeking a calm retirement.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
Houston, TX
Pros:
- No state income tax (huge savings).
- Diverse economy (Energy, Medical, Port).
- World-class food scene and cultural amenities.
- Mild winters (no snow shoveling).
- Large airport (IAH) with global connections.
Cons:
- High violent crime (912.4/100k).
- Brutal summer humidity and heat.
- Horrendous traffic and sprawl.
- Hurricane risk and flooding.
- Car-dependent lifestyle.
Lee's Summit, MO
Pros:
- Extremely safe (low crime).
- High median income ($100,625) with low cost of living.
- Great schools and family-friendly vibe.
- Four distinct seasons with beautiful falls.
- Easy commute and access to Kansas City amenities.
Cons:
- Colder winters (snow, ice).
- Less diverse (homogeneous population).
- Slower pace (can feel "boring" for young singles).
- Seller's market for housing (competitive buying).
- State income tax (4.95%).
The Bottom Line
Choose Houston if you’re chasing career growth, crave urban energy, and can handle the heat and traffic. It’s a city of opportunity and grit.
Choose Lee’s Summit if you prioritize safety, value, and a family-first environment. It’s a sanctuary of stability and community.
There’s no wrong choice—only the right fit for your next chapter. Where are you leaning?
Planning a Move?
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