A quick read on this comparison

Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.

Best for affordability: Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and tax burden.

Biggest tradeoff: Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on affordability, weaker on daily convenience.

Potential dealbreaker: San Francisco, California

San Francisco, California needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on tax burden.

Comparison Matrix

City	Houston View Map	San Francisco View Map	Chicago View Map
Route	Get Directions
General Info
Population	2,314,157	864,816	2,664,452
Population Density	3.6k /sq mi	18.2k /sq mi	12.0k /sq mi
Elevation	39 ft(12 m)	52 ft(16 m)	587 ft(179 m)
Housing & Wealth
Median Home	$260,121	$1,268,418	$304,487
Median Rent	$1,528	$3,666	$2,191
Median Income	$60,440	$136,689	$71,673
Rent Burden	30%	32%	37%
Climate & Risks
Sunny Days	276 days/yr	240 days/yr	212 days/yr
Avg. High	79°F	62°F	59°F
Comfort Score	69/100Good	91/100Excellent	47/100Mixed
Temp Swing	30°F	13°F	48°F
Annual Rainfall	76"(193 cm)	23"(58 cm)	44"(112 cm)
Annual Snowfall	0"(0 cm)	0"(0 cm)	11"(28 cm)
Air Quality	AQI 54 (Avg)51 days > 100	AQI 59 (Avg)1 days > 100	AQI 50 (Avg)19 days > 100
Infrastructure & Lifestyle
Walk Score	65	72	72
Transit Score	88	100	100
Safety Score	37 / 100	39 / 100	35 / 100
School Rating	8.1/10	6.3/10	7.3/10
Flood Risk (FEMA)	minimalMinimal Risk	minimalMinimal Risk	minimalMinimal Risk
Fire Risk (FEMA)	minimalMinimal	minimalMinimal	minimalMinimal
Internet Access	Fiber: 61%Cable: 98%	Fiber: 55%Cable: 99%	Fiber: 33%Cable: 99%
Demographics
Median Age	33.9 years	39.3 years	35.3 years
College Educated	35%	60%	42%
Remote Workers	10%	23%	16%
Nature Access
Local Nature & Reserves	Finding...	Finding...	Finding...
Scouting & Local Help
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner.	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Houston Book a scouting trip	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in San Francisco Book a scouting trip	Featured Local Partner AD Your logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Chicago Book a scouting trip

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