Category / Metric	Tacoma	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$89,107	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$475,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$327	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,603	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	151.5	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	678.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	35.7%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	44

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

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston: the sprawling, sun-baked energy capital of the South. On the other, Tacoma: the gritty, artsy, waterfront sibling to Seattle. It’s a classic clash of cultures, climates, and costs. Picking between them isn't just about geography; it's about deciding which version of "good life" you want to live.

Is your dream a backyard BBQ with the AC blasting, or a foggy morning hike followed by a craft coffee? Let’s break down this showdown, data point by data point, to help you find your perfect fit.

The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. Gritty Charm

Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a massive, decentralized metro where everything is bigger, newer, and faster. The vibe is pure hustle. It’s diverse, unpretentious, and fueled by the energy industry. You’ll find world-class museums next to sprawling strip malls, and the city feels like it’s constantly expanding. It’s a city for the ambitious who want a low cost of living relative to its size and don’t mind the heat. Think of it as the ultimate "bang for your buck" metropolis.

Tacoma, meanwhile, is Seattle’s cooler, more affordable (though that’s relative) little brother. It’s got a distinct Pacific Northwest personality: artsy, industrial-chic, and deeply connected to the water. The vibe is laid-back but creative, with a strong sense of community. It’s not as polished as Seattle, but that’s the charm. It’s a city for those who crave access to incredible nature (Mount Rainier, Puget Sound) and a vibrant arts scene, without the soul-crushing price tag of the Emerald City. Think of it as a city with grit and soul.

Who is it for?

Houston is for the go-getter who wants big-city amenities, a low tax bill, and doesn't mind the humidity.
Tacoma is for the nature lover and creative type who values community, outdoor access, and is willing to pay a premium for a cooler climate.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Tacoma, but does it actually go further? Let’s talk purchasing power.

First, the big one: Taxes. In Houston (Texas), there is 0% state income tax. In Tacoma (Washington), there is 0% state income tax too. Wait, that’s a tie? Not quite. Washington has a hefty 7% capital gains tax and a steep 7.9% sales tax (which can go higher locally). Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax (local adds can push it to 8.25%), but no capital gains tax. For most middle-class earners, the tax burden is a push, but high earners or investors might find Texas slightly more favorable.

The real difference is in the cost of living and housing. Let’s lay out the numbers.

Cost of Living & Rent Comparison

Category	Houston (Median)	Tacoma (Median)	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$475,000	Houston is 41% cheaper to buy a home.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,603	Houston rent is 41% cheaper.
Housing Index	106.5	151.5	Tacoma's housing is 50% more expensive relative to the national average.
Median Income	$62,637	$89,107	Tacoma's income is 42% higher.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Houston, that puts you well above the median income. You can comfortably afford a $335,000 home, which is within reach for many professionals. Your rent for a nice 1BR is under $1,200. Your money stretches.

In Tacoma, a $100,000 salary is closer to the median. That median home price of $475,000 is a much tougher nut to crack. Your rent of $1,603 is significantly higher. While your paycheck looks bigger, your housing costs eat a larger chunk of it. You’ll likely need a higher income (think $130k+) to achieve the same standard of living in Tacoma that $100k gets you in Houston.

Verdict on Dollars: Houston wins for pure purchasing power. The gap in housing costs is so massive that it overwhelms the income difference for most people. If your primary goal is to maximize your financial comfort—own a home, save money, live large—Houston is the undisputed champion.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston:

Buyer’s Paradise (Mostly): With a median home price of $335,000 and a housing index of 106.5, Houston is one of the last major U.S. cities where homeownership is still attainable for the middle class. The market is vast and competitive, but the sheer volume of inventory (sprawling suburbs like Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands) means you have options.
Renting is also a strong, affordable option if you’re not ready to commit to a 30-year mortgage in a state known for its extreme weather (hurricanes, floods).

Tacoma:

Seller’s Market: With a median home price of $475,000 and a housing index of 151.5, Tacoma’s market is fierce. It’s been fueled by Seattle’s spillover and a chronic shortage of housing. Bidding wars are common, and finding a move-in-ready home at the median price is a challenge. It’s a tough market for first-time buyers.
Renting is the default for many, but it’s not cheap. You’re paying a premium for location and climate.

Verdict: Houston is the clear winner for aspiring homeowners. Tacoma is a tough market for buying unless you have a significant down payment or a high dual-income household.

The Dealbreakers: Weather, Traffic, and Crime

This is where personal preference trumps data.

Traffic & Commute

Houston: Infamous. The metro is massive (over 7 million people), and public transit is limited. The Katy Freeway (I-10) is one of the widest highways in the world at 26 lanes at its peak. Your commute will almost certainly be by car, and it will be long and often stressful. Traffic is a fact of life.
Tacoma: Better, but not perfect. As part of the Seattle-Tacoma metro, traffic exists, especially on I-5. However, the city is more compact, and you have decent public transit options (buses, light rail) for a city of its size. Commutes are generally shorter than in Houston.

Winner: Tacoma. Less car-dependent and generally shorter commutes.

Weather

Houston: Brutal. The data says 59.0°F average, but that’s misleading. Summers are oppressively hot and humid (90°F+ for months), with a real feel often over 100°F. You also have the threat of hurricanes and flooding. Winters are mild but gray.
Tacoma: Cool and gray. The data says 48.0°F average. Summers are glorious—mild, sunny, and dry. But the tradeoff is the infamous Pacific Northwest winter: months of overcast skies, drizzle, and gray days. It’s not heavy snow, but the lack of sun can be a mood-killer (SAD is real here).

Winner: It’s a tie based on your hatred. Hate humidity and extreme heat? Tacoma. Hate gray, drizzly winters? Houston.

Crime & Safety

Houston: Violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any huge city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some suburbs are very safe; parts of the urban core are not.
Tacoma: Violent crime rate of 678.0 per 100,000. Also higher than the national average, but notably lower than Houston’s. Tacoma has worked hard to shed its "Tacompton" reputation, and many neighborhoods are safe and family-friendly, though vigilance is still needed.

Winner: Tacoma. The data shows it is statistically safer than Houston, though both cities have areas to avoid.

The Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After weighing the data and the vibes, here’s the final call.

Winner for Families: Houston

The math is undeniable. A family earning a combined $120,000 can afford a spacious home in a good school district in Houston with money left over for savings, activities, and vacations. The space, the affordability, and the family-friendly suburbs are a huge draw. The weather is a downside, but you’ll spend a lot of time indoors with the AC or in community pools.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Tacoma

If you’re young, unattached, and prioritize lifestyle over pure purchasing power, Tacoma wins. The access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, kayaking), the vibrant arts and music scene, and the proximity to Seattle’s job market (especially in tech) are major perks. You’ll pay more for rent and housing, but you’re buying into a lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Winner for Retirees: Houston

For retirees on a fixed income, Houston is a financial no-brainer. The lower cost of living, especially for housing, means retirement savings go much further. The mild winters are a plus, though the summer heat is a serious consideration. The healthcare system is world-class. Tacoma’s higher costs and gray winters make it a tougher sell for retirees on a budget.

Final Pros & Cons

Houston: Pros & Cons

PROS:

Massive Purchasing Power: Your money goes further here than almost any other major U.S. city.
No State Income Tax: A significant financial advantage.
World-Class Food & Culture: Incredibly diverse culinary scene and museums.
Major Airport Hub: Easy to travel anywhere in the world.
Job Market: Strong in energy, healthcare, and shipping.

CONS:

Brutal Weather: Oppressive heat and humidity for months, plus hurricane/flood risk.
Traffic & Sprawl: An endless, car-dependent commute.
High Crime Rate: Statistically one of the more dangerous large cities.
Lack of Natural Beauty: Flat terrain, no mountains, minimal seasons.

Tacoma: Pros & Cons