Comparing Houston, Texas, and Seattle, Washington, reveals significant differences in many aspects of city living. Both offer unique experiences with their distinct climate, economic opportunities, cultural vibe, and cost of living. This comparison takes into account considerations important to potential new residents and tourists.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Seattle, WA : 1,889.3 miles
Houston's population is larger by 212%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Seattle has grown by 170,545 people (30.3%) during that time.
Houston's crime rate is marginally higher than the national average, particularly in the areas of property crime. Safety efforts such as neighborhood patrols and a highly responsive police force are in place. In Seattle, the crime rate is slightly above the national average too, but it has seen improvements in recent years. Both cities have neighborhoods that are safer than others, and your personal safety can significantly depend on the specific area you choose to live or visit.
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 595 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Seattle is 1,184 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Houston than that in Seattle.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Houston is lower than the US average and significantly lower than in Seattle. This is in part due to housing costs which are, on average, much less expensive in Houston. Seattle has a high cost of living, largely due to high housing prices, which are among the highest in the nation.
Income Tax
One of the advantages of living in Houston is the absence of state income tax. In contrast, Washington state does not have a state income tax either, so Seattle residents don't pay state income tax as well.
Property Tax
Texas is known for having high property taxes, though it varies by county. In Houston, the property tax rate is about 2.1%. Seattle homeowners deal with property taxes too, but the rate is a bit lower at 1.03%.
Sales Tax
Texas has a 6.25% state sales tax, which Houston supplements with a local 2% sales tax. Washington state has a 6.5% sales tax, and Seattle adds a local 3.6% sales tax on top of that.
Income
Type
Houston
Seattle
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$110,781
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$74,733
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
118.5
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $60,957 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is characterized by its flat terrain and susceptibility to flooding. In contrast, Seattle is surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, giving residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Both cities have reputations for high-quality education. Houston is home to some of the nation's top-ranked schools and universities, including Rice University and the University of Houston. Seattle boasts the University of Washington and Seattle University, renowned for their strong academic programs.
Houston's economy is largely based on energy, aeronautics, and health care, and it's known for having a low unemployment rate. Seattle’s economy is driven by a mix of older industrial companies, and "new economy" Internet and technology companies, service, design, and clean technology companies. The city is home to several Fortune 500 corporations.
Biggest Employers
In Houston, the biggest employers include Houston Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann Health System, and ExxonMobil. In Seattle, Amazon, Microsoft, and the University of Washington are some of the city's largest employers.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 264 building permits issued in Seattle in 2012 (52 less than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Seattle (King County), 69.0% voted for Democrats and 28.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
2020
56.0%
75.1%
42.7%
22.3%
1.3%
2.6%
2016
54.0%
70.0%
41.6%
21.1%
4.4%
8.9%
2012
49.4%
69.0%
49.3%
28.5%
1.3%
2.5%
2008
50.5%
70.2%
48.9%
28.1%
0.6%
1.7%
2004
44.6%
65.1%
54.9%
33.8%
0.5%
1.1%
2000
43.0%
60.3%
54.4%
34.5%
2.6%
5.2%
1996
45.2%
56.4%
49.2%
31.4%
5.6%
12.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
14.4%
3.6%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
0.3%
26.8%
3.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.6%
1.6%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.8%
1.4%
2.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
1.5%
2.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.3%
1.1%
4.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.6%
1.7%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
2.9%
Weather
Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Flooding can be a concern due to its flat geography and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Seattle has a temperate marine climate with cool, wet winters and mild, relatively dry summers. It's famously known for its rainy weather, though it receives less annual rainfall than many might expect, due to light, drizzly rain spanning multiple days.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Seattle
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
52.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
78.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
36.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
21.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
11.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
49.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
20%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Seattle, Washington
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
Houston
Seattle
2018
102
82
0.19
0.21
9.2
10.6
21.5
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
8.3
0.3
0.7
2017
96
92
0.16
0.23
9.4
11.1
23.1
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
8.8
0.3
0.3
2016
91
67
0.16
0.22
10.4
11.9
22.7
20.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
6.6
0.2
0.6
2015
109
81
0.15
0.23
10.1
10.8
21.7
19.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.5
0.2
0.8
2014
98
75
0.24
0.24
10.4
11.5
21.8
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
7.4
0.3
N/A
2013
106
81
0.25
0.24
11.1
N/A
23.0
17.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
9.1
0.4
0.8
2012
115
77
0.25
0.23
11.6
N/A
23.8
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
7.7
0.5
1.0
2011
118
72
0.27
0.24
10.8
N/A
24.6
18.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
7.5
0.8
1.1
2010
110
71
0.25
0.24
12.8
N/A
22.8
18.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
6.7
1.1
1.1
2009
115
94
0.21
0.27
10.5
N/A
22.1
17.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.0
1.0
1.4
2008
105
80
0.30
0.30
13.1
N/A
22.1
17.8
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
6.5
1.3
1.3
2007
119
83
0.31
0.30
15.2
N/A
20.5
18.2
0.006
N/A
20.3
N/A
13.5
7.9
1.9
1.5
2006
134
98
0.32
N/A
14.6
N/A
22.3
18.3
0.006
N/A
22.6
N/A
13.0
8.7
2.3
N/A
2005
126
101
0.42
0.80
16.3
18.3
22.8
N/A
0.005
N/A
24.5
N/A
13.9
9.5
3.5
3.5
2004
137
102
0.44
0.81
17.7
17.9
20.4
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
3.2
3.0
2003
146
91
0.62
0.78
17.0
18.5
20.9
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
3.2
2.4
2002
128
87
0.55
0.82
16.1
19.3
19.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
1.7
2.7
2001
147
88
0.44
0.90
18.4
20.7
19.6
N/A
0.008
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
2.5
3.7
2000
136
98
0.50
1.06
17.0
20.9
22.0
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.3
3.1
3.2
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Seattle
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
5.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
1,394.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
30%
Transportation
Houston's public transportation falls somewhat short compared to other large cities, but it does offer a bus and light rail system. Houston traffic is impacted during peak commute hours. In contrast, Seattle's public transit includes buses, light rail, ferries, and bicycle paths. Traffic is also a serious concern in Seattle, especially during rush hour periods.
Transport
Type
Houston
Seattle
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Seattle
Bicycle
0.5%
2.1%
Bus
2.4%
8.9%
Carpooled
11.1%
8.7%
Car alone
81.2%
67.8%
Ferryboat
0%
0.7%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.3%
Railroad
0.1%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Subway
0%
0.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Seattle
Average
32 min
35 min
Other means
27.1 min
23.5 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
35.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Seattle
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
89%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
1.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Houston is widely varied, offering everything from affordable apartments to luxury homes. In contrast, Seattle has a more expensive real estate market, with home prices significantly higher than the national average.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods that appeal to different lifestyles. In Houston, the Heights offers a hip, trendy area with plenty of restaurants and shops, while in Seattle, Capitol Hill is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Seattle
Houses
1,028,763
384,799
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.1
Median year apartment built
1985
1987
Median year house/condo built
1976
1955
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
12.4 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
351,650 (91.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
161,587 (46%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
190,063 (54%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$2,780
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,984
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$860,506
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$848,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$764,579
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$719,049
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$626,370
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$226,727
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$50,694
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$925,507
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
40
47
Renting percentage
54.6%
51.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
4,587.9
House value disparities
40.9%
20.6%
Household income disparities
49%
42.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$189,767
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$112,771
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
2,459 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
12,354 (10.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
115,481 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
240 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
13,881 (11.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
2.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Seattle
One, detached
43.2%
39.6%
One, attached
4.8%
6.0%
Two
2.2%
2.0%
3 or 4
4.4%
3.2%
5 to 9
7.1%
5.7%
10 to 19
10.9%
7.0%
20 to 49
7.7%
11.9%
50 or more
18.6%
24.4%
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
24,994
State government workers
38,359
27,235
Unpaid family workers
2,429
947
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Houston include oil and gas extraction, petrochemicals, high-technology, healthcare, and biomedical research. Several Fortune 500 companies are based in Houston. Seattle's port activity, technology sector (most notably Microsoft and Amazon), and airplane manufacturing (Boeing) make it a hub for diverse occupations.
Both Houston and Seattle have high-quality healthcare facilities. Houston is known globally for its Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. Seattle also boasts top-rated healthcare facilities, such as the University of Washington Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Seattle
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in both cities is well-developed with international airports, major freeways, and mass transit systems. However, traffic congestion is a significant issue in both locations. Seattle is more compact and walkable, whereas Houston is sprawling and necessitates more driving.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Seattle
Hospitals
156
22
TV stations
26
17
Arenas or stadiums
6
5
Bank branches located here
755
236
Bank institutions located here
81
37
Main business address for public companies
197
54
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Seattle
1999
9,163
1,357
2000
0
1,148
2001
0
890
2002
0
840
2003
8,173
1,421
2004
11,803
1,810
2005
15,127
2,341
2006
16,911
2,789
2007
10,643
2,273
2008
4,410
1,113
2009
2,279
748
Culture and Food
Houston is recognized for its diversity, which is reflected in its food and cultural scenes. It has a strong BBQ tradition and a vibrant Tex-Mex food scene. Seattle, known for its coffee culture and fish-based cuisine, offers a wide range of cultural attractions, including music festivals, theater, and art exhibits.
Sports Teams
Houston is home to the Rockets (NBA), Texans (NFL), and Astros (MLB). Seattle also has strong sports representation with the Seahawks (NFL), Mariners (MLB), and Sounders (MLS).
Houston, TX
Seattle, WA
