Houston, Texas, and Sacramento, California, two diverse cities that offer different lifestyles, opportunities, and challenges for both relocators and tourists. Houston, known for its thriving energy and aeronautics sectors, offers a warm climate, wide-ranging food culture, and a typically lower-cost market. Sacramento, California's state capital, is known for its Mediterranean climate, an abundance of fresh local food, and a significant government and healthcare sector presence. In our comprehensive comparison, we will gauge these cities across multiple aspects, including crime, weather, cost of living, among others.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Sacramento, CA : 1,603.3 miles
Houston's population is larger by 336%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
Houston's crime rates are slightly higher than the national average, with property crime being particularly widespread compared to violent crime. However, safety can vary significantly between different neighborhoods. In contrast, Sacramento has a mixed crime rate where certain neighborhoods have crime rates above the national average, while others are significantly safer. Both cities have seen proactive measures by their respective law enforcement agencies to curb crime rates.
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 2,168 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 228 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Houston than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
Houston generally has a lower cost of living compared to Sacramento as it boasts reasonable living costs along with affordable housing. The cost of living in Sacramento is higher than the national average, with housing prices contributing significantly to residents' outgoings.
Income Tax
Texas does not have state income tax, which can be a massive advantage for Houston residents. In contrast, California has one of the highest state income tax rates nationwide, impacting Sacramento residents.
Property Tax
Houston's property tax rate is relatively high, averaging around 2%. Sacramento's property tax rates are lower, averaging around 1.25%.
Sales Tax
Texans do not pay state income tax, and Houston's sales tax rate is 8.25%. Californians pay a state income tax, with Sacramento's sales tax rate currently at 8.75%.
Income
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $52,932 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is located near the Gulf of Mexico, predominantly flat, and characterized by its bayous. Sacramento is located in the Central Valley, near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and two rivers (American and Sacramento) run through the city.
Houston is home to several high-rated public and private schools. It is also the location of several higher educational institutions, including the renowned Rice University and the University of Houston. Sacramento also offers strong educational options, including the University of California, Davis, and California State University, Sacramento.
Houston's economy is diverse, with strong sectors in energy, aeronautics, and healthcare. It is home to many Fortune 500 companies. Sacramento's economy leans heavily towards the government, healthcare, and education sectors.
Biggest Employers
In Houston, significant employers include ExxonMobil, Houston Methodist Hospital, and NASA's Johnson Space Center. In Sacramento, the State of California, UC Davis Health, and Sutter Health are major employers.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
2020
56.0%
61.4%
42.7%
36.1%
1.3%
2.5%
2016
54.0%
58.0%
41.6%
33.8%
4.4%
8.3%
2012
49.4%
58.1%
49.3%
39.1%
1.3%
2.8%
2008
50.5%
58.4%
48.9%
39.4%
0.6%
2.2%
2004
44.6%
49.8%
54.9%
49.6%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
43.0%
49.4%
54.4%
45.4%
2.6%
5.2%
1996
45.2%
49.8%
49.2%
40.8%
5.6%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
16.2%
3.6%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
1.7%
26.8%
8.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.9%
1.6%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.3%
1.4%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.2%
1.5%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
1.1%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.6%
1.7%
2.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.7%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.0%
2.2%
Weather
Houston is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters. It is prone to hurricanes and has a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. Sacramento, on the other hand, experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. While extreme weather events like hurricanes are non-existent in Sacramento, it is prone to heatwaves in summer months.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
45%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
Houston
Sacramento
2018
102
121
0.19
0.32
9.2
9.7
21.5
24.7
N/A
0.002
28.9
N/A
10.0
12.7
0.3
N/A
2017
96
117
0.16
0.33
9.4
9.0
23.1
25.2
N/A
0.002
22.1
N/A
9.1
8.8
0.3
N/A
2016
91
103
0.16
0.44
10.4
8.0
22.7
25.3
N/A
0.002
14.0
N/A
8.6
9.0
0.2
N/A
2015
109
105
0.15
0.25
10.1
9.7
21.7
24.9
N/A
0.002
16.2
N/A
9.9
10.9
0.2
N/A
2014
98
99
0.24
0.24
10.4
10.2
21.8
24.9
N/A
0.002
15.6
N/A
10.2
9.6
0.3
N/A
2013
106
102
0.25
0.29
11.1
11.1
23.0
23.2
N/A
0.002
21.3
N/A
10.6
11.9
0.4
N/A
2012
115
107
0.25
0.31
11.6
10.5
23.8
25.2
N/A
0.002
15.2
N/A
11.1
7.9
0.5
N/A
2011
118
106
0.27
0.29
10.8
11.2
24.6
24.0
N/A
0.002
17.7
N/A
11.5
10.8
0.8
N/A
2010
110
109
0.25
0.29
12.8
11.2
22.8
22.8
N/A
N/A
16.9
N/A
11.4
9.3
1.1
0.5
2009
115
118
0.21
0.40
10.5
12.4
22.1
23.3
N/A
0.003
20.6
N/A
11.4
11.4
1.0
0.5
2008
105
130
0.30
0.40
13.1
14.9
22.1
25.4
0.006
N/A
24.3
N/A
12.4
13.6
1.3
0.5
2007
119
129
0.31
0.39
15.2
14.8
20.5
23.7
0.006
0.005
19.9
N/A
13.5
13.5
1.9
0.6
2006
134
124
0.32
0.49
14.6
15.4
22.3
22.7
0.006
N/A
23.7
N/A
13.0
13.0
2.3
0.5
2005
126
125
0.42
0.42
16.3
15.9
22.8
20.0
0.005
N/A
22.1
N/A
13.9
13.5
3.5
0.6
2004
137
119
0.44
0.49
17.7
15.8
20.4
19.1
0.010
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
13.3
3.2
0.6
2003
146
119
0.62
0.47
17.0
16.8
20.9
20.3
0.009
N/A
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
0.9
2002
128
114
0.55
0.50
16.1
18.1
19.7
21.2
0.007
0.004
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.5
2001
147
111
0.44
0.43
18.4
18.0
19.6
21.2
0.008
0.004
20.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.4
2000
136
107
0.50
0.55
17.0
17.9
22.0
19.5
0.008
0.004
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
18%
Transportation
Houston METRO offers comprehensive bus and light rail services, but the city is car-centric. Sacramento Regional Transit provides bus and light rail services, and many areas are bicycle-friendly, promoting a more sustainable commuting culture.
Transport
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.5%
1.1%
Bus
2.4%
1%
Carpooled
11.1%
12%
Car alone
81.2%
80%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.1%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Average
32 min
28.5 min
Other means
27.1 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Houston's real estate market is usually affordable and dynamic, with a multitude of options ranging from urban apartments to suburban homes. Sacramento's real estate market is more high-priced, mostly due to higher demand and limited supply.
Neighborhoods
Houston has diverse neighborhoods ranging from vibrant downtown areas to quieter, leafy suburbs. Sacramento, on the other hand, has neighborhoods that offer a blend of urban and suburban living, with quieter residential areas interspersed with bustling commercial districts.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Houses
1,028,763
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.6
Median year apartment built
1985
1977
Median year house/condo built
1976
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$481,210
Median house age
40
44
Renting percentage
54.6%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
2,168.8
House value disparities
40.9%
25.5%
Household income disparities
49%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Sacramento
One, detached
43.2%
61.7%
One, attached
4.8%
6.8%
Two
2.2%
1.8%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.8%
5 to 9
7.1%
6.9%
10 to 19
10.9%
4.9%
20 to 49
7.7%
3.5%
50 or more
18.6%
7.6%
Mobile homes
0.9%
1.9%
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
12,891
State government workers
38,359
40,274
Unpaid family workers
2,429
755
Industries and Occupations
Houston has prominent energy, aeronautics, and healthcare industries offering a diverse range of occupations. Sacramento is predominantly driven by government-related occupations, education, and healthcare jobs.
Houston has a robust healthcare infrastructure, including Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center. Sacramento also has highly rated healthcare facilities, including UC Davis Medical Center and Sutter Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston boasts remarkable infrastructure, including comprehensive road networks, innovative public spaces, and extensive healthcare facilities. Sacramento offers well-planned municipal services, modern healthcare facilities, and increasing investment in alternative and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Sacramento
Hospitals
156
17
TV stations
26
23
Arenas or stadiums
6
1
Bank branches located here
755
127
Bank institutions located here
81
31
Main business address for public companies
197
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Sacramento
1999
9,163
1,003
2000
0
1,155
2001
0
983
2002
0
1,197
2003
8,173
2,258
2004
11,803
3,872
2005
15,127
4,610
2006
16,911
4,276
2007
10,643
2,386
2008
4,410
1,381
2009
2,279
647
Culture and Food
Houston contains a diverse food scene, fuelled by its multicultural populace. Houstonians enjoy a range of cuisines from barbeque to tacos to Vietnamese food. Sacramento, nicknamed "America's Farm-to-Fork Capital," prides itself in fresh, local food, with a heavy lean towards Mexican and Asian cuisines.
Sports Teams
Houston has multiple major league sports teams, including the Astros (MLB), Texans (NFL), Rockets (NBA), and Dynamo (MLS). Sacramento is home to NBA's Sacramento Kings and minor league baseball team the Sacramento River Cats.
Houston, TX
Sacramento, CA
Houston, TX and 
Sacramento, CA : 1,603.3 miles
