Overview
Houston, Texas and Baltimore, Maryland are two dynamic and bustling cities in the United States that offer unique experiences. While both are major cities, they differ greatly in terms of climate, cost of living, economy, and culture. The nuances of each city create a distinct quality of life and cater to different preferences. Let's delve into detailed comparisons of each pertinent aspect of life in Houston and Baltimore.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Baltimore, MD : 1,251.4 miles
Houston's population is larger by 297%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Baltimore has decreased by 74,656 people (11.5%) during that time.
Houston, Texas has an overall lower crime rate than Baltimore, Maryland. However, both cities have their safer and more dangerous neighborhoods. Baltimore has been working diligently on implementing measures to improve safety. While Houston also deals with crime, it's spread throughout the city is not as concentrated as in Baltimore.
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 7,873 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 1,558 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Baltimore is 395 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Houston than in Baltimore.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Houston is significantly lower than in Baltimore. Housing costs are less expensive in Houston, and grocery expenses are also generally lower. However, Baltimore residents benefit from a higher average income, which somewhat offsets the higher cost of living.
Income Tax
Texas does not impose a state income tax, which can be a great fiscal benefit for residents of Houston. Maryland, on the other hand, has both state and city income taxes, meaning Baltimore residents will generally pay more in taxes on their income.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Texas are among the highest in the U.S., making it more expensive to own property in Houston than in Baltimore, where property taxes are comparatively lower.
Sales Tax
Texas has a higher state sales tax than Maryland, but Houston has no additional city sales tax. In contrast, Baltimore has both city and state sales tax.
Income
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$54,652
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$35,091
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
105.7
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $54,372 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is relatively flat and prone to flooding but is close to the coastline and provides opportunities for water-based activities. Baltimore, positioned on the Chesapeake Bay, provides a diverse landscape with beautiful natural attractions and waterfront views.
Both cities offer a plethora of education options with good public schools, charter schools, and private institutions. However, Baltimore is home to prestigious universities such as Johns Hopkins University, giving it an edge in the realm of higher education.
Houston has a more diversified and robust economy compared to Baltimore. It is a hub for the energy, aeronautics, and healthcare industries. Baltimore, on the other hand, is strongly influenced by its proximity to Washington D.C., with many residents employed in public administration and defense sectors.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Houston include Memorial Hermann Health System, University of Texas, and ExxonMobil. In Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, the Federal Government and MedStar Health are some of the key employers.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 191 building permits issued in Baltimore in 2012 (116 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baltimore (Baltimore city), 87.4% voted for Democrats and 11.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
2020
56.0%
87.5%
42.7%
10.7%
1.3%
1.8%
2016
54.0%
84.8%
41.6%
10.5%
4.4%
4.6%
2012
49.4%
87.4%
49.3%
11.1%
1.3%
1.4%
2008
50.5%
87.6%
48.9%
11.7%
0.6%
0.6%
2004
44.6%
82.5%
54.9%
17.1%
0.5%
0.5%
2000
43.0%
82.9%
54.4%
14.2%
2.6%
2.9%
1996
45.2%
79.3%
49.2%
15.5%
5.6%
5.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
11.0%
3.6%
8.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
1.4%
26.8%
7.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.6%
1.6%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.6%
1.4%
4.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
1.5%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
1.0%
1.1%
4.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.7%
1.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
1.4%
0.1%
2.2%
Weather
The weather in Houston is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, cool winters. On the other hand, Baltimore experiences a more balanced four-season climate with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and beautiful spring and fall seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
54.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
36%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
42.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
39.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
17.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
60.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
63%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
47%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
7.9 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Baltimore, Maryland
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
Houston
Baltimore
2018
102
89
0.19
0.23
9.2
11.8
21.5
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
7.9
0.3
0.1
2017
96
89
0.16
0.25
9.4
12.1
23.1
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
8.2
0.3
0.2
2016
91
102
0.16
0.26
10.4
13.0
22.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.7
0.2
0.3
2015
109
89
0.15
0.28
10.1
12.4
21.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
9.5
0.2
0.4
2014
98
82
0.24
0.25
10.4
11.8
21.8
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
10.9
0.3
0.6
2013
106
86
0.25
0.22
11.1
10.7
23.0
25.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
9.6
0.4
0.5
2012
115
98
0.25
0.24
11.6
11.3
23.8
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
11.2
0.5
0.5
2011
118
101
0.27
0.24
10.8
12.5
24.6
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
12.1
0.8
0.8
2010
110
110
0.25
0.24
12.8
13.1
22.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
12.2
1.1
1.0
2009
115
84
0.21
0.23
10.5
12.2
22.1
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.4
1.0
1.4
2008
105
96
0.30
0.25
13.1
13.6
22.1
21.6
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
12.8
1.3
1.8
2007
119
107
0.31
0.21
15.2
13.8
20.5
23.2
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
14.0
1.9
2.5
2006
134
112
0.32
N/A
14.6
12.0
22.3
24.6
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
14.7
2.3
N/A
2005
126
111
0.42
N/A
16.3
14.3
22.8
26.3
0.005
N/A
23.0
N/A
13.9
17.1
3.5
N/A
2004
137
108
0.44
N/A
17.7
15.3
20.4
28.0
0.010
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
16.3
3.2
N/A
2003
146
110
0.62
N/A
17.0
17.8
20.9
22.4
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
3.2
N/A
2002
128
119
0.55
N/A
16.1
17.4
19.7
19.4
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
1.7
5.8
2001
147
104
0.44
N/A
18.4
18.2
19.6
23.9
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
6.0
2000
136
101
0.50
N/A
17.0
17.0
22.0
22.4
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
6.3
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
117.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
40.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
0%
Transportation
Public transit in Houston relies heavily on buses and light rail, while Baltimore has a more comprehensive system with buses, light rail, and a subway. Both cities also accommodate car-based commuting, though traffic can be heavy.
Transport
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Bicycle
0.5%
0.4%
Bus
2.4%
6.2%
Carpooled
11.1%
7.3%
Car alone
81.2%
77.2%
Railroad
0.1%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
1.2%
Subway
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.7%
Walked
1.6%
4.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Average
32 min
32.3 min
Other means
27.1 min
26.3 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Houston's real-estate conditions favor buyers with affordable housing options. Baltimore's real-estate scene tends to be pricier but offers a wide range of housing options from modern condos to historic townhouses.
Neighborhoods
Houston's neighborhoods, such as The Heights and River Oaks, are known for their diversity and vibrancy. In contrast, Baltimore's neighborhoods like Fells Point and Canton are celebrated for their rich history and waterside settings.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Houses
1,028,763
293,487
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1985
1959
Median year house/condo built
1976
1944
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
254,370 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
123,249 (48.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
131,121 (51.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,254
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$207,303
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$193,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$321,473
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$218,934
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$142,945
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$257,173
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$269,877
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$50,694
$91,531
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$210,096
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$246,241
Median house age
40
72
Renting percentage
54.6%
52.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
3,632.1
House value disparities
40.9%
38.5%
Household income disparities
49%
49.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$85,990
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$53,334
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
2,415 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
5,740 (6.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
84,578 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
579 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
8,544 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Baltimore
One, detached
43.2%
16.4%
One, attached
4.8%
49.5%
Two
2.2%
4.5%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.9%
5 to 9
7.1%
5.5%
10 to 19
10.9%
4.8%
20 to 49
7.7%
2.8%
50 or more
18.6%
11.4%
Mobile homes
0.9%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
12,671
State government workers
38,359
20,410
Unpaid family workers
2,429
356
Industries and Occupations
Both cities host a variety of industries. Houston is renowned for its energy sector, particularly oil and gas, and also has major healthcare and aerospace industries. Baltimore has a significant health and science sector with key employers like Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, but also strong representation in the service, finance, and trade sectors.
Both Houston and Baltimore have world-class healthcare facilities. Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, one of the largest in the world. Baltimore, with the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, stands out in the healthcare sector.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Baltimore
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston boasts more modern infrastructure, particularly in terms of highways and public buildings. However, Baltimore, being an older city, carries more historical charm with its antique infrastructure and landscapes.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Baltimore
Hospitals
156
45
TV stations
26
19
Arenas or stadiums
6
3
Bank branches located here
755
215
Bank institutions located here
81
44
Main business address for public companies
197
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Baltimore
1999
9,163
2,486
2000
0
2,058
2001
0
1,371
2002
0
1,111
2003
8,173
1,526
2004
11,803
2,929
2005
15,127
4,981
2006
16,911
5,533
2007
10,643
3,592
2008
4,410
1,111
2009
2,279
381
Culture and Food
In terms of culture and food, both cities have much to offer. Houston is known for its diverse food scene with a strong representation of Tex-Mex and BBQ. Baltimore, being a waterfront city, offers exceptional seafood, especially crabs and oysters.
Sports Teams
Houston's sports scene includes teams like the Houston Texans (NFL), Astros (MLB), and Rockets (NBA). Baltimore also encourages a vibrant sports culture through the Baltimore Ravens (NFL), and Orioles (MLB).
Houston, TX
Baltimore, MD
Houston, TX and 
Baltimore, MD : 1,251.4 miles
