Houston vs Austin: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Austin is 20% more expensive than Houston. Austin is 27% safer. Houston has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Houston population: 2,397,315. Austin population: 1,002,632.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Houston vs Austin
Houston is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.
| Category | Houston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 100 | 120 |
| Housing | $2,100/moIndex: 118 | $2,990/moIndex: 168 |
| Groceries | $394/moIndex: 96 | $410/moIndex: 100 |
| Transportation | $357/moIndex: 102 | $368/moIndex: 105 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $220/moIndex: 100 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Houston vs Austin
Austin is 27% safer overall, with a crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 residents vs Houston's 54. Austin earns a D- safety grade compared to Houston's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Houston
Texas
Austin
Texas
| Metric | Houston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 54/1K | 39.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 900.0 | 350.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4500.0 | 3600.0 |
| Murder Rate | 14.7 | 4.6 |
| Assault Rate | 621.4 | 278.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 128.9 | 60.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 769.2 | 461.8 |
| Theft Rate | 3592.5 | 3112.6 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 781.0 | 763.2 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Houston, you have a 1 in 19 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 25 in Austin.
Climate: Houston vs Austin
Houston Climate Overview
Austin Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Houston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 80°F | 80.2°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 60.1°F | 58.7°F |
| Annual Rain | 47.9" | 33.9" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Austin is 3°F warmer in summer than Houston, but winter temperatures are comparable. Houston is wetter with 48" of annual rain compared to 34". Houston has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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