Category / Metric	Alhambra	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$79,637	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$880,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$623	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,252	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	173.0	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	39.6%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	69	44

Houston vs. Alhambra: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between Houston and Alhambra isn't just picking a city; it's choosing an entire lifestyle. One is a sprawling, humid giant where everything is bigger, and the other is a compact, sun-drenched enclave in the heart of Los Angeles County. As your Relocation Expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the humidity, and analyzed the vibes to give you the unvarnished truth. Let’s get into it.

The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. L.A. Suburb Perfection

Houston is the embodiment of Texas swagger. It’s a sprawling, car-dependent metropolis where the energy sector fuels a relentless hustle. The culture is a wild mix of Southern hospitality, world-class food (the taco game is insane), and a booming arts scene. It’s a city that doesn’t care about your pedigree—it cares about your hustle. You’ll find people from every corner of the globe here, and the vibe is distinctly unpretentious. Think: a 2,311,461-strong population that feels like a thousand small towns stitched together.

Alhambra, on the other hand, is the quintessential "L.A. Dream" starter pack. With a population of just 79,798, it’s a tight-knit, walkable community nestled in the San Gabriel Valley. It’s the definition of a suburban oasis with a distinct urban flair—think historic Main Street, phenomenal Asian cuisine, and a central location that puts you within 20 minutes of Downtown L.A. and the beaches. The vibe is polished, family-oriented, and deeply connected to the L.A. cultural machine.

Who is each city for?

Houston is for the ambitious, the foodie, the space enthusiast, and anyone who wants a high-energy city with a low bar for entry. It’s for those who value space, diversity, and a lower cost of living.
Alhambra is for the L.A. dreamer who wants the city's perks without the chaos. It’s for the young professional who works in entertainment or tech, the family seeking top-tier schools, and anyone who craves walkability and a strong sense of community.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash.

The first thing to understand is the Purchasing Power paradox. You might earn more in Alhambra, but your money will shrink faster. Texas has no state income tax, while California’s is a progressive monster, hitting 9.3% for a $100k salary and soaring to 13.3% for higher earners. For someone earning $100,000, the take-home pay difference is staggering—potentially $8,000+ more per year in your pocket just from taxes.

Now, let's look at the cost of living.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Houston, TX	Alhambra, CA	The Winner (Bang for Buck)
Median Home Price	$335,000	$880,000	Houston (by a landslide)
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$2,252	Houston
Housing Index	106.5	173.0	Houston
Median Income	$62,637	$79,637	Alhambra

The Insight:
Alhambra’s higher median income ($79,637 vs. $62,637) is completely wiped out by its monumental housing costs. A median home in Alhambra costs $880,000—that’s 2.6 times more than Houston’s $335,000. Rent is nearly double. Even with a higher salary, your disposable income in Alhambra will be significantly lower unless you’re in the top 10% of earners.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power: If you're asking, "Where does my $100,000 salary feel like a fortune?" Houston wins, hands down. In Alhambra, you’ll feel the financial squeeze daily. In Houston, you can afford a house, a car, and a social life without constant budget anxiety.

The Housing Market: To Buy or to Rent?

Houston: A Buyer’s Market (With Caveats)
Houston’s housing market is accessible. The median home price of $335,000 is within reach for many. You get more space for your money—think large yards, newer construction suburbs (like The Woodlands or Sugar Land), and no state income tax to boot. The market is competitive, but it’s not cutthroat like California. Availability is decent, and you won’t be facing 20 cash offers over asking for a starter home. However, property taxes in Texas are high (often 2-3% of assessed value), which can eat into your monthly savings.

Alhambra: The Seller’s Fortress
Buying in Alhambra is a different beast altogether. The median home price of $880,000 is a barrier for most first-time buyers. This is a classic seller’s market; inventory is low, and competition is fierce. You’re often bidding against cash-flush investors and downsizers. Renting is the more common path, but even that is punishing. $2,252 for a 1-bedroom is standard, and you’ll be competing for that too. The value proposition here is location—you’re paying a premium to be in the L.A. basin.

The Dealbreaker: If your dream is homeownership, Houston is the pragmatic choice. Alhambra is a luxury that requires significant capital or a high dual-income household.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic & Commute

Houston: The city is infamous for I-45 and the 610 Loop. Commutes can be brutal, often 45-60 minutes for a 10-mile drive. Public transit (Metro) exists but is limited. Car ownership is non-negotiable.
Alhambra: You’re at the mercy of L.A. traffic. The 10, 710, and 110 freeways are packed. A commute to Downtown L.A. can be 30-45 minutes for 10 miles. The upside? Alhambra itself is highly walkable, and you have access to the Metro Gold Line for a train commute.

Weather: The Ultimate Divider

Houston: This is a dealbreaker for many. The weather is defined by humid subtropical conditions. Summers are long, brutal, and oppressive, with frequent 90°F+ days and high humidity making it feel like 100°F. Winters are mild (average 59.0°F), but hurricanes and flooding are real risks. You live with the AC.
Alhambra: Near-perfect weather. This is the headline. Expect 70°F and sunny most of the year. The "June Gloom" (marine layer) is a minor inconvenience. No humidity, no snow, no hurricanes. It’s the reason people pay the premium.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest look.

Houston: Violent crime is a serious concern. At 912.4 incidents per 100k people, it’s more than 3 times the national average. The city is vast; safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Research is essential.
Alhambra: A major advantage. At 234.0 incidents per 100k, it’s below the national average and significantly safer than Houston. This aligns with its family-friendly, suburban character.

THE VERDICT

Winner for Families: Alhambra

Why: Safety is paramount for families, and Alhambra’s low crime rate is a massive win. The weather allows for year-round outdoor play. Top-rated schools in the San Gabriel Valley are a huge draw. The walkable, tight-knit community fosters a great environment for kids. The higher cost is mitigated by better public services and safety.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston

Why: The cost of living is the single biggest factor. A young pro can afford a nice apartment ($1,135), a car, and a vibrant social life in Houston without being house-poor. The job market in energy, healthcare, and tech is robust. The food and cultural scene is world-class and affordable. You can build wealth faster here.

Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (Depends on Your Priority)

If you prioritize: Budget & Space → Houston. Your retirement savings go much further. You can buy a single-story home for a fraction of the L.A. price.
If you prioritize: Health & Weather → Alhambra. The perfect climate is a health benefit for seniors. The lower crime rate adds peace of mind. This is a "you get what you pay for" scenario.

Final Pros & Cons Lists

Houston: The Unfiltered Take

PROS:

Unbeatable Purchasing Power: $335,000 median home price vs. Alhambra’s $880,000.
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
World-Class Food Scene: The most diverse and delicious food in America, from Tex-Mex to Viet-Cajun.
Job Market: A powerhouse in energy, healthcare, and aviation.
Space & Diversity: You get more house, more yard, and exposure to a global population.

CONS:

Brutal Weather: Humid, hurricane-prone, and brutal summers.
Safety Concerns: Violent crime rate is 912.4/100k—you must neighborhood-shop carefully.
Car Dependency: You will drive everywhere. Traffic is a daily grind.
Urban Sprawl: The city feels endless; distinct "downtown" vibe is limited.

Alhambra: The Unfiltered Take