Comparing Houston, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts, reveals two cities with distinctive qualities and characteristics. These cities offer contrasting climates, diverse cultural experiences, different economies, and distinct cost and conditions of living. For those considering relocation or a visit, understanding the key differences between the cities in terms of safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, infrastructure, key industries, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, tax rates, cultural experiences, sports, geographical conditions, and healthcare facilities is crucial.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Boston, MA : 1,601.9 miles
Houston's population is larger by 250%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Boston has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) during that time.
Houston has a slightly higher crime rate compared to Boston. Violent and property crime rates are a concern in both cities, but Houston surpasses Boston, making safety a more pressing issue for the residents here. Boston, on the other hand, has maintained a steady decrease in such crimes over the years, though it is not completely crime-free. It's always recommended to explore the safest neighborhoods before settling down in any of these cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 7,869 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 338 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Boston is 1,991 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Houston than that in Boston.
Cost of Living
Life in Houston is considerably less expensive than in Boston. Housing is the main contributor to the cost difference, with Houston offering more affordable prices. Food, transportation, health, and general expenses are also lower in Houston than in Boston. However, wage levels must be considered alongside costs, as Houston generally has lower average wages relative to Boston.
Income Tax
A significant advantage of living in Houston is Texas's lack of state income tax. On the other hand, Massachusetts levies a state income tax of 5%.
Property Tax
Texas has one of the nation’s highest property tax rates, with an average of 1.83%. Boston's average property tax rate is considerably lower at 0.72%, although the higher costs of homes may offset these savings for some residents.
Sales Tax
Texas has a higher sales tax rate (8.25%) than Massachusetts (6.25%). However, Houston has no local sales tax, while Boston adds a local meals tax of 0.75% to the state rate.
Income
Type
Houston
Boston
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$79,283
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$50,337
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
143.8
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $73,971 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston, situated near the Gulf of Mexico, is predominantly flat, with bayous running through the city. Due to its proximity to the coast, it's prone to hurricanes. Boston, on the other hand, is located on the eastern Massachusetts coast. It's characterized by hilly landscapes and coastal lowlands, and frequently experiences Nor'easter storms.
Both cities are acclaimed for their education standards and institutions. Boston, home to Harvard, MIT, and a plethora of other highly esteemed higher education institutions, is often considered America’s educational powerhouse. Houston too hosts reputable institutions like Rice University and the University of Houston, but Boston is generally regarded as superior in this area.
Boston's economy is largely characterized by innovation, with strong sectors in education, healthcare, finance, and professional services. The innovation sector contributes significantly to Boston's job market, attracting a highly skilled workforce. Conversely, Houston's economy is largely driven by the oil and gas industries, although it also has a growing technology sector. Both cities offer abundant job opportunities but differ in the variety and type of work available.
Biggest Employers
Houston's biggest employers include the Texas Medical Center, followed by energy companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron. Boston hosts some of the leading hospitals and universities in the world, like Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University. Top employers also include financial services firms like State Street and Fidelity Investments.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Boston
Houston
Boston
Houston
Boston
2020
56.0%
80.6%
42.7%
17.5%
1.3%
1.9%
2016
54.0%
78.5%
41.6%
16.1%
4.4%
5.4%
2012
49.4%
77.4%
49.3%
20.8%
1.3%
1.8%
2008
50.5%
76.9%
48.9%
21.2%
0.6%
1.8%
2004
44.6%
75.9%
54.9%
22.8%
0.5%
1.3%
2000
43.0%
71.5%
54.4%
20.5%
2.6%
8.0%
1996
45.2%
73.0%
49.2%
19.9%
5.6%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Boston
Houston
Boston
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
46.1%
3.6%
12.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
0.6%
26.8%
6.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
1.1%
1.6%
2.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.0%
1.4%
4.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
1.5%
0.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
1.7%
4.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
1.2%
0.1%
8.9%
Weather
Houston, located in southeastern Texas, is known for its sweltering summer heat, high humidity, mild winters, and susceptibility to hurricanes. On the contrary, Boston experiences a wide range of weather conditions, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The city has been known to experience extreme winter weather conditions, including Nor'easters, which can dump heavy snow and freezing rain on the region.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Boston
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
23.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
78%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
46.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
88.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
16.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
48%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Boston
Houston
Boston
Houston
Boston
Houston
Boston
Houston
Houston
Boston
Houston
Boston
2018
102
76
0.19
0.24
9.2
12.3
21.5
26.1
N/A
N/A
10.0
9.2
0.3
0.5
2017
96
83
0.16
0.26
9.4
12.5
23.1
26.4
N/A
N/A
9.1
8.9
0.3
0.6
2016
91
75
0.16
0.27
10.4
14.1
22.7
24.4
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.4
0.2
0.5
2015
109
81
0.15
0.30
10.1
15.7
21.7
23.4
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.9
0.2
0.8
2014
98
76
0.24
0.30
10.4
14.0
21.8
24.5
N/A
N/A
10.2
9.3
0.3
1.2
2013
106
86
0.25
0.30
11.1
13.5
23.0
26.2
N/A
N/A
10.6
9.8
0.4
1.3
2012
115
89
0.25
0.29
11.6
11.8
23.8
23.5
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.5
0.5
1.4
2011
118
87
0.27
0.30
10.8
14.8
24.6
24.2
N/A
N/A
11.5
10.5
0.8
1.6
2010
110
92
0.25
0.26
12.8
13.8
22.8
25.0
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.0
1.1
2.3
2009
115
86
0.21
0.32
10.5
15.3
22.1
23.5
N/A
N/A
11.4
9.7
1.0
2.4
2008
105
96
0.30
0.26
13.1
16.6
22.1
22.9
0.006
N/A
12.4
12.4
1.3
3.8
2007
119
124
0.31
0.28
15.2
18.5
20.5
19.9
0.006
N/A
13.5
13.9
1.9
4.0
2006
134
103
0.32
0.38
14.6
15.8
22.3
20.9
0.006
N/A
13.0
12.5
2.3
3.5
2005
126
115
0.42
0.28
16.3
17.0
22.8
22.1
0.005
N/A
13.9
12.7
3.5
4.3
2004
137
104
0.44
0.26
17.7
15.6
20.4
22.5
0.010
N/A
N/A
13.7
3.2
4.6
2003
146
116
0.62
0.55
17.0
20.1
20.9
22.4
0.009
N/A
N/A
14.5
3.2
5.2
2002
128
130
0.55
0.35
16.1
19.8
19.7
21.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
13.5
1.7
5.0
2001
147
112
0.44
0.44
18.4
19.9
19.6
20.7
0.008
N/A
N/A
13.6
2.5
5.9
2000
136
88
0.50
0.57
17.0
18.8
22.0
19.2
0.008
N/A
N/A
10.0
3.1
5.6
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Boston
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
55.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
26.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
33%
Transportation
Houston residents principally rely on cars, given the city's extensive highway system and substantial geographic spread. Houston does have a public transit network, but it is not as widely used. Boston residents have various commuting options, including the robust Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) that operates bus, subway, and ferry routes around the city. Boston is considered a commuter-friendly city, offering options to walk, bike, or use public transit.
Transport
Type
Houston
Boston
Amtrak stations
1
3
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
224
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Boston
Bicycle
0.5%
1.7%
Bus
2.4%
7.1%
Carpooled
11.1%
6.8%
Car alone
81.2%
54.7%
Ferryboat
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0.1%
0.5%
Streetcar
0%
13.5%
Subway
0%
3.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.4%
Walked
1.6%
10%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Boston
Average
32 min
38.6 min
Other means
27.1 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
38.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Boston
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Houston is generally more affordable than that of Boston. Houston offers a mix of suburban and urban living options, with more square footage at lower costs. Meanwhile, Boston, being one of the oldest cities in the U.S., presents more historic and diverse architectural styles at a higher average selling price.
Neighborhoods
Houston's sprawling nature engenders a large spectrum of neighborhoods from urban to suburban, catering to different lifestyle needs. Notable neighborhoods include River Oaks, a scenic urban neighborhood, and Clear Lake, near the NASA Johnson Space Center. Boston, smaller and denser, offers neighborhoods steeped in rich history and charm, such as Beacon Hill with its historic architecture, and North End, also known as "Little Italy."
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Boston
Houses
1,028,763
307,025
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Median year apartment built
1985
1957
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
14.6 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
271,941 (88.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
94,497 (34.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
177,444 (65.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$2,632
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$1,040,328
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$659,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.4
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$683,896
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$639,493
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$745,440
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$986,433
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$117,668
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$793,380
Median house age
40
73
Renting percentage
54.6%
66.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
6,340.1
House value disparities
40.9%
23.5%
Household income disparities
49%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$138,364
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$97,179
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
1,250 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
7,686 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
67,144 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
218 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
9,540 (13.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
1.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Boston
One, detached
43.2%
12.0%
One, attached
4.8%
6.4%
Two
2.2%
11.9%
3 or 4
4.4%
24.1%
5 to 9
7.1%
11.2%
10 to 19
10.9%
7.2%
20 to 49
7.7%
8.0%
50 or more
18.6%
19.0%
Mobile homes
0.9%
0.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
11,605
State government workers
38,359
12,810
Unpaid family workers
2,429
303
Industries and Occupations
Houston is globally known for its energy industry— particularly oil and gas. It’s also a hub for biomedical research and aeronautics. Boston's economy, on the other hand, is primarily knowledge-based, with industries ranging from technology and life sciences to education and financial services. Leading industries in Boston include biotechnology, IT, finance, and higher education.
Both cities are lauded for their exceptional healthcare facilities. Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex. Boston houses some of the nation's top hospitals, like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Both cities offer first-class medical treatment and research facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Boston
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston's urban sprawl has resulted in a heavy reliance on cars, despite efforts to enhance public transit and biking infrastructure. Boston, with its more compact urban form, offers more walkable neighborhoods and has a robust public transit system. The city's historic architectural landscape combined with modern infrastructure gives it a unique character distinct from Houston’s relatively newer developments.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Boston
Hospitals
156
22
TV stations
26
22
Arenas or stadiums
6
3
Bank branches located here
755
146
Bank institutions located here
81
37
Main business address for public companies
197
60
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Boston
1999
9,163
1,237
2000
0
1,140
2001
0
947
2002
0
975
2003
8,173
1,536
2004
11,803
2,273
2005
15,127
3,225
2006
16,911
3,567
2007
10,643
2,652
2008
4,410
1,372
2009
2,279
910
Culture and Food
Houston is recognized for its vibrant culinary scene, particularly its BBQ and Mexican cuisines. The city boasts a diversity of cultures, enhanced by its frequent public festivals and rodeos. Boston's culture, steeped in U.S. history, casts a distinct character. Its food scene is famous for its seafood, particularly clam chowder and lobster dishes.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to major league sports teams. Houston has the Astros (MLB), Rockets (NBA), and Texans (NFL). In contrast, Boston hosts the Red Sox (MLB), Celtics (NBA), Patriots (NFL), and Bruins (NHL). Both cities have fervent sports cultures, and their teams have enjoyed recent success.
Houston, TX
Boston, MA
