Category / Metric	St. George	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$77,431	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.6%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$500,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$260	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,099	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	116.1	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	99.0	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	189.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	37.5%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	65	44

Houston vs. St. George: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston—the sprawling, energy-rich beast of the South. On the other, you have St. George—the fast-growing, scenic gem of Utah’s Dixie. This isn't just a choice between a big city and a small town; it's a choice between two entirely different versions of the American dream.

Whether you're a family looking for space, a young professional chasing opportunity, or a retiree seeking peace, the data—and the vibe—tell a starkly different story. Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check: Big City Hustle vs. Desert Sanctuary

Houston is a monster of a city. With a population of 2.3 million, it’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. The vibe is diverse, fast-paced, and relentlessly industrial. It’s the energy capital of the world, with a skyline that pierces the humidity and a cultural scene that punches way above its weight (world-class museums, a food scene that will ruin you for any other city). It’s for the go-getter who wants endless options, career opportunities in oil/gas/healthcare, and doesn’t mind a little grit with their glamour. It’s a city of transplants; no one is from here, which makes it easy to blend in.

St. George, on the other hand, is a town of 104,000 nestled against the red rock cliffs of the Mojave Desert. The vibe is active, family-oriented, and deeply community-focused. It’s the fastest-growing city in Utah, known as "Utah's Dixie" for its warm climate and Mormon pioneer history. The pace is slower, the air is cleaner, and the outdoors are the main event—hiking, biking, and national parks are literally in your backyard. It’s for the person who wants a tight-knit feel, stunning natural beauty, and a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

Who is each city for?

Houston is for the career-driven, the foodie, the culture seeker, and anyone who thrives in the energy of a massive metropolis.
St. George is for the outdoor enthusiast, the family-first planner, and anyone seeking a safe, scenic community with a high quality of life.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?

Let’s talk cold, hard cash. You might think a higher median income in St. George means you’re better off, but the devil is in the details—and the taxes.

The Tax Man Cometh (or Doesn't):
This is the game-changer. Texas has 0% state income tax. That’s right, zero. Your paycheck is your paycheck. Utah, however, has a flat state income tax of 4.65%. If you earn the median income of $77,431 in St. George, you’re paying roughly $3,600 a year to the state right off the top. In Houston, at a median of $62,637, you keep every dollar of that state income. This is a massive factor in "purchasing power."

The Cost of Living Breakdown:
Looking at rent, the numbers are deceptively close. Houston’s $1,135 for a 1-bedroom is only slightly higher than St. George’s $1,099. But when you factor in the overall housing index (a measure of home costs relative to the national average), St. George is actually more expensive (116.1 vs. Houston’s 106.5). This is largely driven by a hotter housing market and land scarcity.

Here’s the head-to-head data snapshot:

Category	Houston, TX	St. George, UT	The Edge
Median Income	$62,637	$77,431	St. George (Higher raw income)
Median Home Price	$335,000	$500,000	Houston (Significantly cheaper to buy)
1BR Rent	$1,135	$1,099	St. George (Slightly cheaper rent)
Housing Index	106.5	116.1	Houston (More affordable market)
State Income Tax	0%	4.65%	Houston (Huge win for take-home pay)
Violent Crime/100k	912.4	189.0	St. George (Safer by a landslide)

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Verdict
If you earn $100,000 in Houston, you take home the full amount (minus federal taxes). In St. George, you immediately lose $4,650 to the state. That’s a monthly hit of $387.50. Now, consider housing: a $335,000 home in Houston requires a significantly smaller down payment and mortgage payment than a $500,000 home in St. George. Even with Houston’s slightly higher utilities (thanks to AC), your dollar stretches much further in Houston for housing and has more purchasing power due to the tax structure. St. George’s higher median income is often eaten up by higher housing costs and state taxes.

Insight: Houston wins the purchasing power war decisively. The lack of state income tax and significantly lower home prices make it a financial haven for middle-income earners. St. George’s higher income is a mirage when you account for the cost of living and taxes.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Suffer?

Houston: The Buyer’s Market (Mostly)
With a median home price of $335,000, Houston is one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. The market is vast and varied. You can find a starter home in the suburbs or a luxury condo in the Galleria. Availability is generally good, though desirable neighborhoods can be competitive. For renters, the supply is massive, giving you leverage to negotiate. It’s a market that favors the buyer/renter, especially compared to coastal cities.

St. George: The Seller’s Market (Intense)
St. George’s median home price of $500,000 tells the story. The market is red-hot. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, and inventory is perpetually low. New construction is booming, but demand outstrips supply. This is a classic seller’s market where bidding wars are common, and homes sell in days. Renting isn't much easier, as the rental market is tight and prices are high for what you get. If you’re moving here with a buying budget under $400k, you’ll be in a very tough spot.

Verdict: For affordability and availability, Houston is the clear winner. St. George’s housing market is a major hurdle for newcomers, especially those not coming from a high-cost-of-living area with equity in hand.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston: Infamous. The phrase "Houston is 30 minutes from Houston" is a real thing. The city is built for cars, and traffic is a daily grind. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes in stop-and-go traffic. Public transit exists but is limited.
St. George: A breeze. While growing, the city and its suburbs are designed for short drives. The average commute is likely under 20 minutes. The only real traffic is during the tourist season or on the I-15 corridor during peak hours.
Winner: St. George. By a mile. If a stress-free commute is a priority, St. George is unbeatable.

Weather: Humidity vs. Dry Heat

Houston: Brutal. The average temperature is 59.0°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are an oppressive, humid 90°F+ with a "feels like" temperature often over 100°F. Winters are mild but can be damp and chilly. Hurricane season is a real, annual threat.
St. George: Dry and sunny. The average temp of 52.0°F is cooler, but the climate is desert. Summers are hot (95°F+) but dry, which many find more tolerable. Winters are mild with occasional light snow. The sun shines nearly 300 days a year.
Winner: St. George. For most people, dry heat is more livable than humid heat. The lack of hurricane risk and more sunshine give St. George the edge.

Crime & Safety

Houston: This is the biggest dealbreaker for many. Houston’s violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average and puts it in a high-risk category. Safety varies wildly by neighborhood, but the overall statistics are concerning.
St. George: Exceptionally safe. A violent crime rate of 189.0 per 100,000 is well below the national average. It’s one of the safest cities of its size in the country.
Winner: St. George. It’s not even close. If safety is your number one priority, St. George is in a different league.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s how it breaks down.

Winner for Families: St. George

The combination of top-tier public safety, excellent schools, abundant outdoor activities, and a strong community focus makes St. George a near-perfect environment for raising kids. The higher housing costs are the trade-off, but for many families, the peace of mind is worth the price.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston

The career opportunities are unmatched, especially in energy, healthcare, and tech. The purchasing power is better, the nightlife and cultural scene are infinite, and the city’s diversity is a professional and personal advantage. You can build a career, network, and explore a world-class food scene without breaking the bank.

Winner for Retirees: St. George

St. George is a retiree magnet for a reason. The dry climate is easier on the joints, the low crime rate provides security, and the active, outdoor lifestyle promotes health. While healthcare access is good (with a major hospital), it can’t match Houston’s world-class medical center. However, for day-to-day living, St. George’s quality of life is a winner.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Houston: The Pros & Cons

Pros:

Unbeatable Purchasing Power: 0% state income tax and affordable housing.
World-Class Career Opportunities: Energy, medicine, port, and tech hubs.
Incredible Diversity & Culture: Food, art, and music from every corner of the globe.
No State Income Tax: A massive financial advantage.

Cons:

High Crime Rate: Safety is a major concern city-wide.
Brutal Humidity & Weather: Oppressive summers and hurricane risk.
Traffic & Urban Sprawl: Long commutes are the norm.
Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited.

St. George: The Pros & Cons