Category / Metric	Longmont	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$82,984	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$517,045	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$260	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,548	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	148.7	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.3	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.26	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	492.9	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	49.4%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	44

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

So, you're stuck between two worlds. On one side, you have Houston—a sprawling, sun-baked giant of a city where the energy is endless and the culture is a vibrant gumbo of everything. On the other, you have Longmont—a picturesque, high-altitude haven nestled between the Rockies and the plains, offering a quieter, more scenic slice of life.

This isn't just a choice of city; it's a choice of lifestyle. Are you chasing big-city opportunities and Southern hospitality, or are you craving mountain views and a tight-knit community feel?

Let's break it down, head-to-head, so you can see exactly where you fit.

The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. Mountain Calm

First, let's set the scene. This is the culture clash, the heartbeat of each place.

Houston is the quintessential American boomtown. It's massive, diverse, and unapologetically itself. With a population of 2.3 million, it's a global hub for energy, aerospace (NASA!), and healthcare. The vibe is fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and laid-back all at once. You'll find world-class museums and food scenes (seriously, the food is legendary), but you'll also deal with sprawling suburbs and traffic that tests your patience. It's a city for the go-getters, the networkers, and those who thrive on the buzz of a major metropolis. Think: big dreams, bigger horizons.

Longmont, with a population of just under 100,000, is the polar opposite. It's a front-range town that feels like a permanent weekend getaway. The vibe is active, outdoorsy, and community-focused. You're minutes from hiking trails, lakes, and the foothills of the Rockies. It's smaller, quieter, and has a distinct "Colorado" feel—think craft breweries, farmer's markets, and a strong sense of local pride. This is for those who want a slower pace, natural beauty at their doorstep, and a town where you might actually know your neighbors.

Who is each city for?

Houston is for the ambitious professional, the foodie, the diversity seeker, and anyone who wants a little bit of everything without leaving the city limits.
Longmont is for the outdoor enthusiast, the young family seeking space and safety, the remote worker craving a better backdrop, and the retiree looking for an active, scenic community.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

Let's talk money. This is where the "sticker shock" often happens, especially when moving from one region to another.

The big, beautiful lie about cost of living is that it's just about rent. It's not. It's about purchasing power—what your paycheck can actually buy you after taxes, housing, and daily expenses.

Here’s the data, laid out plainly:

Category	Houston, TX	Longmont, CO	The Winner
Median Income	$62,637	$82,984	Longmont
Median Home Price	$335,000	$517,045	Houston
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,548	Houston
Housing Index	106.5	148.7	Houston
Violent Crime (per 100k)	912.4	492.9	Longmont
Avg. Weather (°F)	59.0°F	50.0°F	Personal Preference

The Salary Wars: Houston vs. Longmont

Here’s where it gets interesting. Longmont boasts a higher median income ($82,984 vs. Houston's $62,637). But that number is misleading without context.

Houston's Secret Weapon: No State Income Tax.
Texas has 0% state income tax. Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax. That’s a huge deal.

Let's run a scenario. Imagine you earn the median income in both cities.

In Houston: Take-home pay is closer to the full $62,637 (minus federal taxes). Your biggest expense—housing—is significantly cheaper. A median home costs $335,000. Your 1BR rent is $1,135.
In Longmont: Your gross is higher at $82,984, but you immediately lose 4.4% to the state. That’s over $3,600 off the top. Your housing costs are brutal: a median home is $517,045 (that's a $182,000+ premium over Houston), and rent is $1,548.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: For the average earner, Houston gives you more bang for your buck. Your salary stretches further, especially in housing. You can live comfortably in Houston on a lower nominal salary than you might need in Longmont. However, if you're in a high-paying field like tech (which has a strong presence in nearby Boulder), Longmont's higher income potential, combined with its quality of life, can be a powerful draw.

The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

This is the biggest financial decision you'll make. Let's see how these cities stack up.

Houston: A Buyer's Playground (Mostly)

Buying: The median home price of $335,000 is attainable for many. The market is vast, with everything from downtown condos to sprawling suburban homes. While prices have risen, it's still one of the more affordable major U.S. metros. The Housing Index of 106.5 means it's slightly above the national average, but it's a bargain compared to coastal cities.
Renting: Rent is reasonable at $1,135 for a 1BR. The rental market is competitive but offers a wide range of options. It's a solid place to rent while you save for a down payment.
Key Insight: Houston's sprawl means you have options. You can find a home in your budget, but you might commute. Be prepared for property taxes, which are higher in Texas to make up for the lack of income tax.

Longmont: A Seller's Market with a Premium

Buying: Welcome to the Colorado crunch. A median home price of $517,045 is a steep entry point. The Housing Index of 148.7 screams "expensive." Competition is fierce, especially for single-family homes. You're paying a premium for the lifestyle—mountain views, excellent schools, and a low-crime community.
Renting: Rent at $1,548 is also steep for a 1BR. The rental market is tight, with high demand from people priced out of buying or those seeking a more flexible lifestyle.
Key Insight: Longmont's housing market is driven by its desirability and limited supply. It's a classic supply-and-demand issue. If you're moving here, be ready for a bidding war or consider renting long-term.

Housing Verdict: Houston wins on affordability and availability. If your primary goal is to own a home without breaking the bank, Houston is the clear choice. Longmont is for those who have saved aggressively or have a dual high-income household and are willing to pay a premium for the Colorado lifestyle.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference reigns supreme. Let's talk about the daily grind.

Traffic & Commute

Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and traffic is a part of life. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes or more. Public transit (Metro) exists but is limited. The phrase "Houston is 30 minutes from Houston" is a real thing.
Longmont: Much more manageable. It's a smaller town with less congestion. Commutes are generally short, though you'll deal with I-25 traffic to Denver or Boulder during peak times. It's a bike-friendly town, and many errands can be done without a long drive.

Weather: Humidity vs. Seasons

Houston: Hot and humid. Summers are long, with temperatures often soaring into the 90s°F with oppressive humidity. Winters are mild but can be rainy. Hurricane season is a real concern. If you hate heat and humidity, this is a dealbreaker.
Longmont: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (expect 40-60 inches of snow annually). Summers are warm and dry, with highs in the 80s°F. The sun shines over 300 days a year. You get the full seasonal cycle, including stunning autumns and springs. The altitude (5,000 ft) means sunburns happen faster, and the air is dry.

Crime & Safety

Houston: The data doesn't lie. With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100k, it's significantly higher than the national average (~380 per 100k). Crime varies greatly by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others see higher rates. It requires more vigilance and research on specific areas.
Longmont: Much safer statistically, with a rate of 492.9 per 100k. While still above the national average, it's a notable improvement and feels very safe for a town of its size. This is a huge draw for families.

Quality of Life Verdict: It's a tie, depending on your priorities.

For safety and manageable commutes: Longmont.
For warm weather year-round and big-city amenities: Houston.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for You?

There is no single "better" city—only the one that's better for you. Here’s our final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Longmont

Why: Safety is a major factor. The significantly lower crime rate (492.9 vs. 912.4) gives parents peace of mind. Excellent public schools, abundant parks, and a community-centric vibe make it an ideal place to raise kids. The outdoor lifestyle promotes healthy, active family time. While housing is expensive, the quality of life and safety often justify the cost for many families.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston

Why: If you're building your career and social network, Houston's scale is unbeatable. More job opportunities across diverse industries, a legendary food and nightlife scene, and a lower cost of living allow you to live well on an entry-level salary. The lack of state income tax helps you save. It’s a city of growth and possibility.

Winner for Retirees: Longmont

Why: Active retirees will thrive here. The climate is pleasant (if you can handle the cold), the community is engaged, and the access to outdoor recreation is unparalleled. The safer environment and walkable downtown area are huge pluses. However, if you're on a fixed income and need your retirement dollars to stretch as far as possible, Houston's lower costs could be a contender—but the trade-off in safety and pace is significant.

At a Glance: Houston Pros & Cons

PROS:

Unmatched Affordability: Lower housing costs and no state income tax.
Economic Powerhouse: Diverse job market (energy, healthcare, tech, port).
World-Class Food Scene: Arguably the most diverse and delicious city in America.
Cultural Diversity: A true melting pot with endless festivals, museums, and neighborhoods to explore.
Mild Winters: Escape the snow and harsh cold.

CONS:

High Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection and vigilance.
Brutal Traffic & Commutes: Car-dependent with notorious congestion.
Oppressive Humidity: Summers can be draining and uncomfortable.
Weather Extremes: Hurricane risk and potential for severe flooding.

At a Glance: Longmont Pros & Cons