Brooklyn, New York, and Houston, Texas are two of America's most vibrant cities, each boasting unique features that make them attractive to both residents and visitors. Brooklyn, a cultural and culinary hotspot, offers an urban lifestyle, highlighted by its iconic brownstones and hip neighborhoods. Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., is known for its thriving economy, diversity, and comparatively lower cost of living. This article presents a comparison between these two cities regarding various aspects, including safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more, to provide an in-depth understanding of what it's like to live and visit these cities.
While both cities have areas that are safer than others, crime rates vary. Brooklyn has seen a decrease in crime over the years, but it is still higher than the national average. Houston's crime rate is also above the national average. However, like any city, both have safer and less safe neighborhoods. Tourists and potential residents should research specific neighborhoods to understand the safety levels better.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Brooklyn is substantially more expensive than Houston. The cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation are all higher in Brooklyn. On the contrary, Houston is considered more affordable, with a cost of living that's lower than the national average.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, Brooklyn residents pay both state and city income tax. This can lead to a higher overall tax burden, although many social services are funded through these taxes. On the other hand, Texas – and therefore Houston – does not have a state income tax.
Property Tax
In terms of property tax, both cities have taxes above the national average. However, Brooklyn's property tax rates are generally lower than Houston's. This is compensated since the overall value of properties in Brooklyn is typically higher than in Houston.
Sales Tax
Texas does not have a state income tax, which offers significant savings for Houston residents, but it does have a sales tax rate of 8.25% in Houston. New York State, including Brooklyn, imposes a state income tax and a sales tax of 8.875%.
Income
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Estimated median household income
$67,567
$55,499
Estimated per capita income
$39,536
$36,265
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.4
97.2
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $95,370 in Brooklyn to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is flat and prone to flooding due to its coastal location and lack of sufficient drainage. Brooklyn, while also coastal, is not as flat and is less likely to experience flooding on the same scale.
Geographical information
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Land area
70.6 sq. miles
579.4 sq. miles
Population density
35,956 people per sq. mile
3,949.2 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Brooklyn, NY Houston, TX
Education
Both Brooklyn and Houston have a wide range of educational options. Brooklyn is home to several highly ranked public and private schools and colleges, including Brooklyn College and the Pratt Institute. Houston is also known for its education, notably the University of Houston and Rice University. Additionally, the Houston Independent School District is the largest in Texas.
Houston's economy is diverse and robust, with dominant sectors in energy, aeronautics, and health care. Brooklyn's economy is also diverse, with significant sectors in health care, professional services, and retail trade. While the tech sector has been growing rapidly in Brooklyn, Houston is known for its thriving "Energy Corridor," home to many energy firms.
Biggest Employers
Houston's largest employers include Texas Medical Center, ExxonMobil, and Walmart. In Brooklyn, some of the biggest employers are JP Morgan Chase, New York City government, and Maimonides Medical Center.
In Brooklyn (Kings County), 82.1% voted for Democrats and 16.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
2020
76.9%
56.0%
22.2%
42.7%
1.0%
1.3%
2016
79.6%
54.0%
17.5%
41.6%
2.9%
4.4%
2012
82.1%
49.4%
16.9%
49.3%
0.9%
1.3%
2008
79.9%
50.5%
20.1%
48.9%
0.0%
0.6%
2004
75.0%
44.6%
24.3%
54.9%
0.7%
0.5%
2000
81.0%
43.0%
15.7%
54.4%
3.3%
2.6%
1996
80.1%
45.2%
15.1%
49.2%
4.9%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.9%
18.1%
7.5%
3.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.8%
2.9%
4.2%
1.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.9%
0.0%
3.8%
0.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.0%
0.3%
5.2%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
1.0%
2.3%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
14.2%
2.4%
26.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.7%
0.6%
1.5%
Weather
Weather in Brooklyn and Houston is distinctly different. Brooklyn experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Houston, on the other hand, has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. Houston is also prone to hurricanes, which are important to consider for potential residents and visitors.
Weather and climate
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Temperature - Average
55.1°F
69.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.7%
80.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.1%
36.7%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.8%
92.8%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50.7%
56.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.5 in
52.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
53.4 in
0.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.7%
15%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
60.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
43%
Wind speed - Average
10.6 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in Brooklyn, New York
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Houston
Brooklyn
Houston
2018
93
102
0.31
0.19
16.8
9.2
24.2
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
10.0
0.4
0.3
2017
95
96
0.25
0.16
17.0
9.4
24.5
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
9.1
0.3
0.3
2016
93
91
0.31
0.16
17.7
10.4
24.8
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2
8.6
0.5
0.2
2015
100
109
0.38
0.15
18.2
10.1
24.1
21.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
9.9
0.7
0.2
2014
95
98
0.38
0.24
18.5
10.4
23.5
21.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
10.2
0.9
0.3
2013
96
106
0.41
0.25
18.9
11.1
24.4
23.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
10.6
1.0
0.4
2012
98
115
0.44
0.25
18.3
11.6
24.4
23.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
11.1
1.6
0.5
2011
107
118
0.43
0.27
20.7
10.8
23.6
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
11.5
2.4
0.8
2010
112
110
0.43
0.25
19.4
12.8
24.7
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
11.4
2.3
1.1
2009
104
115
0.43
0.21
21.5
10.5
20.7
22.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
11.4
3.1
1.0
2008
109
105
0.47
0.30
22.6
13.1
21.3
22.1
0.013
0.006
N/A
N/A
11.8
12.4
4.1
1.3
2007
121
119
0.53
0.31
23.5
15.2
20.8
20.5
0.016
0.006
N/A
N/A
12.4
13.5
4.8
1.9
2006
116
134
0.61
0.32
24.2
14.6
20.7
22.3
0.018
0.006
N/A
N/A
13.0
13.0
5.7
2.3
2005
107
126
0.74
0.42
26.1
16.3
19.6
22.8
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
7.5
3.5
2004
106
137
0.74
0.44
25.8
17.7
18.5
20.4
0.030
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
3.2
2003
107
146
0.81
0.62
27.4
17.0
18.4
20.9
0.021
0.009
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
3.2
2002
122
128
0.76
0.55
27.9
16.1
19.9
19.7
0.008
0.007
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
1.7
2001
121
147
0.80
0.44
29.5
18.4
22.3
19.6
0.020
0.008
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
2.5
2000
115
136
0.92
0.50
29.8
17.0
20.3
22.0
0.022
0.008
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
3.1
Natural disasters
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
56.4%
187.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.8%
63.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
32%
Transportation
Brooklyn, being a part of NYC, has extensive public transit options with the subway, buses, and taxis. Houston, while it has buses and light rail, is more car-dependent due to its widespread nature. Commuting times in both cities vary, but Houstonians typically have longer commutes due to the city's size.
Transport
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
149
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
44
Means of transportation to work
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Bicycle
0.5%
0.5%
Bus
10.4%
2.4%
Carpooled
8%
11.1%
Car alone
22.4%
81.2%
Railroad
1.4%
0.1%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
44.8%
0%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.1%
Walked
8.8%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Average
44.5 min
32 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Brooklyn are significantly higher than in Houston. In Brooklyn, it's common to find historic brownstones alongside luxury high-rises. Houston's real estate is more varied and generally more affordable, with a range of options from downtown apartments to suburban houses.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. Brooklyn has trendy areas like Williamsburg and cultural hubs like Flatbush. Houston offers the high-energy pace of Midtown and the rustic charm of the Heights. Each neighborhood in both cities has a unique character and charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Houses
930,866
1,028,763
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.6
Houses occupied
880,727 (94.6%)
924,981 (89.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
238,290 (27.1%)
390,226 (42.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
642,437 (72.9%)
534,755 (57.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,589
$1,323
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,621,117
$334,556
Estimated median house or condo value
$793,300
$236,700
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.2
6.1
Renting percentage
72.3%
54.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
13,184
1,775.5
Household income disparities
48.5%
49%
Housing units without a mortgage
29,251 (32.9%)
4,386 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
183 (0.2%)
7,696 (3.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,793 (67.1%)
207,809 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
4,512 (5.1%)
421 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,098 (5.7%)
11,969 (5.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
2.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
45,971
75,956
State government workers
27,527
38,359
Unpaid family workers
2,234
2,429
Industries and Occupations
Houston's major industries include oil and gas exploration, health care, and technology. Conversely, the dominant industries in Brooklyn are health care, social assistance, and food service. Occupationally, Houston is known for engineering and energy sector, whereas Brooklyn is renowned for arts, design, and media occupations.
Both cities offer highly-regarded healthcare systems. Houston is known globally for the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex. In the same vein, Brooklyn has several top-rated hospitals and is in close proximity to Manhattan's renowned hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have seen significant investiture in infrastructure. Houston boasts a large network of highways and roads, and Brooklyn has a mix of historic and modern buildings. However, Brooklyn, as part of New York City, has some aging infrastructure, particularly in its subway system.
Infrastructure
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Hospitals
104
156
TV stations
29
26
Bank branches located here
271
755
Bank institutions located here
41
81
Main business address for public companies
9
197
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
12
49
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
75
122
Schools
School facilities
Type
Brooklyn
Houston
Private elementary/middle schools
151
104
Private high schools
128
50
Public elementary/middle schools
405
546
Public high schools
176
167
Colleges/Universities
48
73
Culture and Food
Culture and food are where both cities shine. Brooklyn is a hub of diverse cultures and cuisines and is also known for its arts scene, music venues, and hipster vibe. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country, with a food scene that reflects that. With many cultural festivals, museums, and a rich culinary scene – Tex-Mex and barbecue anyone? – it offers a unique blend of Southern and international cultures.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, both cities deliver. Houston has the Texans (NFL), Astros (MLB), and Rockets (NBA). Brooklyn is home to the Nets (NBA) and has close proximity to all the New York City teams.
Brooklyn, NY
Houston, TX
Brooklyn, NY and 
Houston, TX : 1,418.7 miles
