Houston and Austin are two of the most vibrant cities in Texas, each offering its unique blend of culture, economy, and lifestyle. Houston is known for its space, energy, and healthcare sectors, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle with diverse cuisines and professional sports teams. Austin, on the other hand, flaunts its rich live music scene, tech industry prominence, and laid-back lifestyle. Both cities have their distinct advantages and characteristics.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Austin, TX : 146.2 miles
Houston's population is larger by 137%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Austin has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) during that time.
When comparing safety, Austin generally has a lower crime rate than Houston. That said, as in any urban area, certain areas might have higher crime rates than others. Houston tends to have higher property and violent crime rates than Austin, but it's also larger and more densely populated. It's important to research individual neighborhoods for a comprehensive picture of safety.
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 7,864 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 1,422 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Austin is 667 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Houston than in Austin.
Cost of Living
Houston is usually less expensive than Austin. This is mainly due to the cost of housing, which is generally lower in Houston. Although the cost of goods and services is relatively similar in both cities, the median home price in Austin is noticeably higher.
Income Tax
Texas is one of the seven states in the U.S. that doesn't impose a state income tax. Therefore, residents of both Houston and Austin do not pay city or state income taxes.
Property Tax
Property tax rates do vary between Austin and Houston. Houston typically has higher property tax rates compared to Austin due, in part, to higher local tax levies.
Sales Tax
Austin and Houston both have an 8.25% combined state and local sales tax rate. Since Texas doesn't levy any city or county level sales taxes, both cities have the same sales tax rates.
Income
Type
Houston
Austin
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$79,542
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$53,937
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
96.4
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $50,415 in Houston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston lies near the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a flat topography prone to flooding. Austin is located in Central Texas and is characterized by its hill country, swimming holes and rivers, which may appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
Both cities are known for their quality education. Houston is home to many top-rated K-12 schools and colleges, including Rice University. Austin, on the other hand, is home to the University of Texas, one of the largest universities in the U.S. Both cities offer strong academic opportunities and resources.
Houston's economy is largely influenced by oil, gas, aeronautics, and healthcare sectors, with opportunities for high-paying jobs. Austin, dubbed "Silicon Hills", is known for its booming high-tech industry, with many tech giants like Google and Dell having major operations in the city. Both cities have strong job markets, but opportunities vary depending on the industry.
Biggest Employers
Houston's largest employers include Texas Medical Center, NASA's Johnson Space Center, and various energy companies like ExxonMobil. In Austin, the tech industry dominates with Dell, IBM, and Apple being the top employers. The State of Texas and the University of Texas are also major employers in Austin.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Austin
Houston
Austin
Houston
Austin
2020
56.0%
71.7%
42.7%
26.5%
1.3%
1.8%
2016
54.0%
65.8%
41.6%
27.2%
4.4%
7.0%
2012
49.4%
60.2%
49.3%
36.2%
1.3%
3.6%
2008
50.5%
63.8%
48.9%
34.4%
0.6%
1.8%
2004
44.6%
56.1%
54.9%
42.1%
0.5%
1.8%
2000
43.0%
41.7%
54.4%
47.0%
2.6%
11.3%
1996
45.2%
52.4%
49.2%
40.0%
5.6%
7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Austin
Houston
Austin
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
17.3%
3.6%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
8.0%
26.8%
22.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
1.2%
1.6%
0.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.4%
1.4%
2.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.9%
1.5%
2.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.0%
1.1%
2.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.2%
1.7%
1.0%
Weather
The weather in both cities is similar, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, although Houston's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico can make it more humid and prone to hurricanes. Austin, in contrast, has a more inland climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Austin
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
68.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
75.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
40%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
49%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
33.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
1.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
19.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
63.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
50%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
7.2 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Austin
Houston
Austin
Houston
Austin
Houston
Austin
Houston
Houston
Austin
Houston
Austin
2018
102
76
0.19
N/A
9.2
4.9
21.5
26.7
N/A
N/A
10.0
8.7
0.3
0.2
2017
96
76
0.16
N/A
9.4
4.6
23.1
29.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
8.3
0.3
0.3
2016
91
71
0.16
N/A
10.4
4.2
22.7
29.5
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.2
0.2
0.2
2015
109
78
0.15
N/A
10.1
4.4
21.7
28.9
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.6
0.2
0.3
2014
98
74
0.24
N/A
10.4
5.2
21.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
10.2
8.7
0.3
0.5
2013
106
78
0.25
0.09
11.1
5.5
23.0
29.5
N/A
N/A
10.6
8.6
0.4
0.5
2012
115
86
0.25
0.13
11.6
5.5
23.8
30.1
N/A
N/A
11.1
8.6
0.5
N/A
2011
118
83
0.27
0.11
10.8
2.6
24.6
33.0
N/A
N/A
11.5
9.1
0.8
N/A
2010
110
77
0.25
0.05
12.8
3.2
22.8
29.4
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.8
1.1
N/A
2009
115
76
0.21
0.05
10.5
2.6
22.1
29.7
N/A
N/A
11.4
9.0
1.0
N/A
2008
105
81
0.30
0.12
13.1
3.2
22.1
30.7
0.006
N/A
12.4
9.7
1.3
N/A
2007
119
82
0.31
0.12
15.2
3.1
20.5
27.1
0.006
N/A
13.5
9.8
1.9
N/A
2006
134
89
0.32
0.14
14.6
3.8
22.3
31.3
0.006
N/A
13.0
10.0
2.3
0.2
2005
126
92
0.42
0.15
16.3
4.4
22.8
29.0
0.005
N/A
13.9
10.7
3.5
0.2
2004
137
74
0.44
0.16
17.7
3.3
20.4
26.8
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
N/A
2003
146
85
0.62
0.26
17.0
4.2
20.9
28.9
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
0.1
2002
128
83
0.55
0.33
16.1
3.9
19.7
27.2
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
2001
147
83
0.44
0.31
18.4
4.2
19.6
25.5
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
N/A
2000
136
86
0.50
0.28
17.0
4.7
22.0
27.8
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Austin
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
137.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
80.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
29%
Transportation
Both Houston and Austin have extensive highway systems, but public transportation differs. Houston has a comprehensive Metrorail and bus system that provides services in the inner city. Austin's CapMetro Bus and light rail systems are less extensive but have been improving with ongoing developments.
Transport
Type
Houston
Austin
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
911
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
21
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Austin
Bicycle
0.5%
0.8%
Bus
2.4%
1.5%
Carpooled
11.1%
7.9%
Car alone
81.2%
85.9%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.3%
Railroad
0.1%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Austin
Average
32 min
29.9 min
Other means
27.1 min
22.7 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
37.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Austin
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
91.2%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
6.3%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Houston real estate is diverse and more affordable, with a wide range of housing options available. Austin's real estate market is highly competitive, with high demand driving up prices, particularly in popular central and downtown neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer an array of neighborhoods suited to different lifestyles. Houston offers upscale neighborhoods like River Oaks and trendy locales like Montrose. Austin boasts historic neighborhoods like Hyde Park and lively areas like South Congress, known for its vibrant food and music scene.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Austin
Houses
1,028,763
469,156
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1985
1997
Median year house/condo built
1976
1988
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
449,399 (95.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
196,458 (43.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
252,941 (56.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,286
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,521
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$549,769
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$482,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$595,996
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$393,984
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$262,826
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$576,111
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$56,102
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$459,657
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$571,154
Median house age
40
28
Renting percentage
54.6%
54.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
1,865.3
House value disparities
40.9%
28.4%
Household income disparities
49%
44.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$141,177
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$86,430
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
1,799 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
6,421 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
132,628 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
206 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
8,515 (6.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Austin
One, detached
43.2%
43.1%
One, attached
4.8%
5.2%
Two
2.2%
2.4%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.1%
7.2%
10 to 19
10.9%
11.0%
20 to 49
7.7%
8.9%
50 or more
18.6%
17.2%
Mobile homes
0.9%
1.0%
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
38,777
State government workers
38,359
46,229
Unpaid family workers
2,429
102
Industries and Occupations
Houston is world-renowned for its energy industry, particularly oil and gas, along with space exploration and healthcare. Ausitn has a diverse economy, with a particular focus on technology, entertainment, and government. The city's ecosystem fosters creativity and innovation, earning it a spot on many best places for business lists.
Houston leads in healthcare with the world-famous Texas Medical Center, housing 60 institutions and researching institutions. Austin doesn't have such a large concentration but offers high-quality healthcare services through providers like Seton Medical Center and St. David's Healthcare.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Austin
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston has a more expansive infrastructure, given its size and population. Austin, however, is known for its extensive park system and developing tech infrastructure. Both cities have faced challenges with traffic congestion and road maintenance but continue to invest in infrastructure improvements.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Austin
Hospitals
156
65
TV stations
26
20
Arenas or stadiums
6
2
Bank branches located here
755
264
Bank institutions located here
81
43
Main business address for public companies
197
44
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
46
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Austin
1999
9,163
4,733
2000
0
2,950
2001
0
2,038
2002
0
1,772
2003
8,173
2,213
2004
11,803
2,458
2005
15,127
3,121
2006
16,911
3,367
2007
10,643
2,560
2008
4,410
1,747
2009
2,279
1,067
Culture and Food
Houston, being one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., offers an array of international cuisines. Austin, famously known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," has a food scene dominated by food trucks, microbreweries, and barbecue. Both cities have active arts scenes and music festivals.
Sports Teams
Houston enthralls sports fans with professional teams in all major sports: the Texans (NFL), Astros (MLB), Rockets (NBA), and Dynamo (MLS). Austin has one MLS team, Austin FC, though it lacks teams in other major leagues, but the city's college sports scene is vibrant due to the University of Texas.
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Houston, TX and 
Austin, TX : 146.2 miles
