Packing your bags for a new city is quite an adventure. Picking between the vibrant, multi-cultural city of Houston, TX, and the Bronx, NY, a globally famous borough with its unique suburban-urban fusion, isn't an easy task. Whether you're relocating for job opportunities, searching for a cultural shift, or looking for affordable housing options, both cities have unique traits that could suit your needs. Keep reading as we compare these two diverse cities in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and other crucial factors.
When it comes to crime and safety, both cities have their challenges, as they are densely populated. While crime rates in Houston are higher than the national average, they vary by neighborhood, with many peaceful and safe areas. The Bronx, on the other hand, has significantly improved in terms of safety over the years. However, its crime rates remain relatively high compared to other NYC boroughs. Both cities have invested in community policing, improving their respective peace and order situations.
Cost of Living
Comparatively, the cost of living in Houston is lower than in the Bronx. In Houston, you'll find more affordable housing, utilities, transportation, and groceries. The Bronx, with its close proximity to Manhattan, has a higher cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. However, there's a wider variety of cheap food, entertainment, and shopping options thanks to New York's dense and diverse city life.
Income Tax
Texas, including Houston, does not have a state income tax, which can reduce overall tax obligations for residents compared to those living in the Bronx. In New York, residents are subjected to both a state income tax, with rates ranging from 4% to 8.82%, and a city income tax that ranges from 3.078% to 3.876%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Houston are noticeable, as Texas does not collect income tax. The average Houston property tax rate is about 2.1%. In the Bronx, which is part of New York City, property tax rates are lower, typically about 0.87% of the property's value.
Sales Tax
The tax structures of the two cities differ. Houston has a total sales tax of 8.25%, which includes the Texas state sales tax of 6.25% and a local option of up to 2%. Meanwhile, the Bronx, situated in New York City, has a total sales tax rate of 8.875%.
Income
Type
Houston
Bronx
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$43,011
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$23,354
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
172.8
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $88,889 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is situated near the Gulf of Mexico, known for its flat landscape and heat. The city is spread out, a characteristic that affects mobility and lifestyle. The Bronx, on the other hand, is characterized by a mix of hills, flat areas, and coastlines along the East River and the Long Island Sound. It is more walkable and condensed.
Geographical information
Type
Houston
Bronx
Land area
579.4 sq. miles
42 sq. miles
Population density
3,949.2 people per sq. mile
32,928 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Houston, TX Bronx, NY
Education
When it comes to education, both cities provide various options at all levels. Houston is home to numerous highly-rated school systems and several top-ranking universities, like Rice University and the University of Houston. The Bronx, being part of New York City, offers a vast, diverse public school system, and it's close to renowned higher education institutions like Columbia University and New York University.
Houston's economy is broad-based, boosted by the oil and gas industry and supplemented by sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and aerospace. Job seekers in Houston can expect a lower unemployment rate as compared to the national average. The Bronx has a more diverse economy, with growth primarily in sectors like healthcare, social assistance, and retail trade. Meanwhile, the Bronx also provides easy access to the entire New York City job market.
Biggest Employers
In Houston, some of the biggest employers are ExxonMobil, Kroger, Memorial Hermann Health System, and H-E-B Supermarkets. On the other hand, the Bronx's biggest employers include the New York City Department of Education, Montefiore Medical Center, and Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center.
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
2020
56.0%
83.7%
42.7%
16.0%
1.3%
0.3%
2016
54.0%
88.6%
41.6%
9.5%
4.4%
2.0%
2012
49.4%
91.9%
49.3%
8.1%
1.3%
0.0%
2008
50.5%
89.0%
48.9%
11.0%
0.6%
0.0%
2004
44.6%
82.9%
54.9%
16.5%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
43.0%
86.5%
54.4%
11.8%
2.6%
1.7%
1996
45.2%
85.8%
49.2%
10.5%
5.6%
3.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
25.5%
3.6%
11.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
0.2%
26.8%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
2.8%
1.6%
3.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
1.4%
3.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.1%
1.5%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
1.7%
6.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.7%
0.1%
4.4%
Weather
Your preference in weather might weigh heavily on your decision. Houston's subtropical climate means long, hot summers with high humidity and mild winters. In contrast, the Bronx experiences all four seasons with hot summers, chilly winters that may include snow, and beautiful springs and autumns.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Bronx
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
54.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
67.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
26.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
75.6%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
49.2%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
47 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
54.5 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
16.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
60.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
44%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
10.7 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
Houston
Bronx
2018
102
102
0.19
0.31
9.2
15.8
21.5
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
7.4
0.3
0.6
2017
96
100
0.16
0.04
9.4
15.7
23.1
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
7.0
0.3
0.6
2016
91
98
0.16
0.30
10.4
16.4
22.7
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.2
0.2
0.8
2015
109
105
0.15
0.28
10.1
18.0
21.7
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.6
0.2
1.4
2014
98
99
0.24
0.32
10.4
18.0
21.8
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
8.4
0.3
1.7
2013
106
103
0.25
0.39
11.1
18.9
23.0
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
9.3
0.4
2.1
2012
115
104
0.25
0.44
11.6
18.8
23.8
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.7
0.5
3.1
2011
118
113
0.27
0.46
10.8
20.9
24.6
22.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
11.6
0.8
4.5
2010
110
113
0.25
0.53
12.8
20.2
22.8
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.8
1.1
4.7
2009
115
107
0.21
0.53
10.5
22.3
22.1
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.8
1.0
5.4
2008
105
114
0.30
0.53
13.1
23.3
22.1
19.9
0.006
0.013
N/A
N/A
12.4
12.1
1.3
5.9
2007
119
122
0.31
0.60
15.2
24.6
20.5
19.1
0.006
0.016
N/A
N/A
13.5
13.2
1.9
7.0
2006
134
120
0.32
0.50
14.6
25.0
22.3
18.9
0.006
0.018
N/A
N/A
13.0
12.8
2.3
7.0
2005
126
115
0.42
0.60
16.3
27.0
22.8
17.8
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
3.5
9.3
2004
137
109
0.44
0.62
17.7
25.6
20.4
16.7
0.010
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
8.8
2003
146
110
0.62
0.75
17.0
27.4
20.9
17.1
0.009
0.022
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
8.9
2002
128
124
0.55
0.67
16.1
27.9
19.7
17.4
0.007
0.008
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
8.6
2001
147
126
0.44
0.66
18.4
30.0
19.6
17.8
0.008
0.020
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
10.0
2000
136
115
0.50
0.68
17.0
29.4
22.0
16.0
0.008
0.022
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
10.2
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Bronx
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
58.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
31%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
14%
Transportation
Houston is known more as a car city, with the average commute time being slightly higher than the national average. While it has a bus network and a growing light rail system, most Houstonians prefer to drive. The Bronx, part of the New York City public transportation network, offers a wider range of options including multiple subway lines, city buses, and commuter train lines.
Transport
Type
Houston
Bronx
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
39
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Bronx
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
2.4%
15.6%
Carpooled
11.1%
9.3%
Car alone
81.2%
27%
Railroad
0.1%
2%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Subway
0%
34.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
1.3%
Walked
1.6%
7.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Bronx
Average
32 min
44.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Houston is generally more affordable than in the Bronx. With a vibrant housing market that includes a mixture of urban apartments and suburban houses, Houston is known for its low property costs. The Bronx, part of the highly competitive NYC real estate market, offers a range of different housing types but at much higher average prices.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods with unique characters. Houston's neighborhoods range from upscale, like River Oaks and the Memorial, to trendy, like Montrose and the Heights. In the Bronx, you can find residential neighborhoods with a distinctive feel like Riverdale, known for its tree-lined streets, or vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods like Fordham.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Bronx
Houses
1,028,763
490,659
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.8
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
463,212 (94.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
90,522 (19.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
372,690 (80.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,273
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$708,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$465,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.1
Renting percentage
54.6%
80.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
11,675
Household income disparities
49%
50.2%
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
12,021 (34%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
105 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
23,339 (66%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
2,053 (5.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
2,159 (6.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
1.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
16,572
State government workers
38,359
14,515
Unpaid family workers
2,429
1,000
Industries and Occupations
Houston's major industries include energy (particularly oil and gas), aeronautics, science, and healthcare. It's noteworthy that the Texas Medical Center in Houston is the largest medical complex globally, generating thousands of jobs. In the Bronx, healthcare, retail, and education are the dominant industries, along with a strong public sector workforce.
Healthcare is excellent in both cities. The Texas Medical Center in Houston is the world's most extensive medical complex, hosting numerous hospitals and research institutions. On the other hand, The Bronx is served by top healthcare facilities like Montefiore Medical Center and the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Bronx
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston boasts modern infrastructure with a robust network of freeways and expressways, numerous city parks, and significant investments in renewable energy. The Bronx has the oldest infrastructure in place, with historical landmarks, large apartment blocks, and traditional row houses. It is also working towards modern facilities, including better internet connectivity and renovated city parks.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Bronx
Hospitals
156
57
TV stations
26
30
Bank branches located here
755
118
Bank institutions located here
81
24
Main business address for public companies
197
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
122
4
Schools
School facilities
Type
Houston
Bronx
Private elementary/middle schools
104
54
Private high schools
50
20
Public elementary/middle schools
546
285
Public high schools
167
155
Colleges/Universities
73
9
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities offer a diverse array of food, music, and festivals. Houston is a mix of Southern tradition and a new influx of cultures, offering a Tex-Mex gastronomical scene, BBQ, and ethnic cuisine from Vietnamese to Indian. The Bronx, one of the most diverse boroughs in New York City, boasts a vibrant food scene from Italian in Belmont's Arthur Avenue to Latin food on Southern Boulevard.
Sports Teams
Both cities have a strong sports culture. Houston is home to many professional sports teams, including the Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Rockets (NBA), and Houston Astros (MLB). The Bronx, while not having as many teams itself, is home to the world-renowned New York Yankees (MLB) and offers easy access to all New York City professional sports teams.
Houston, TX
Bronx, NY
Houston, TX and 
Bronx, NY : 1,428.3 miles
