Category / Metric	Anaconda-Deer Lodge County	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$49,533	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.3%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$209,700	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$806	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	118.4	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	100.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	469.8	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	22.3%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	44

Houston vs. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston, Texas—a sprawling, humid, energy-packed metropolis of over 2.3 million people. On the other, you have Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana—a quiet, mountain-flanked slice of Americana with a population barely cracking 9,500.

This isn't just a choice between a city and a town; it's a choice between two completely different ways of life. Are you chasing the hustle, the diversity, and the endless amenities of a major metro, or are you fleeing to wide-open spaces, mountain views, and a pace of life that moves with the seasons?

Let’s cut through the noise and get real about where you should put down roots.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Mountain Town Soul

Houston is the definition of a "go-go-go" city. It’s a sprawling, car-dependent beast where the culture is as diverse as its population. You can find world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from BBQ to Viet-Cajun), and professional sports teams. The vibe is unpretentious, hard-working, and hot. It’s a city for those who want to be in the thick of it, who thrive on energy, and who don’t mind the concrete jungle.

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is the polar opposite. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it’s a place where the outdoors is your backyard. The vibe is laid-back, historic, and deeply connected to nature. Think hiking, fishing, hunting, and stargazing. It’s a town for those seeking peace, quiet, and a strong sense of community. You trade skyscrapers for mountain peaks and traffic jams for scenic drives.

Who is each city for?

Houston is for the career-driven, the foodie, the social butterfly, and anyone who needs the infrastructure and options of a major city.
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is for the outdoor enthusiast, the retiree seeking tranquility, the remote worker craving a change of scenery, and anyone who values a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Stretch Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk about purchasing power—the real-world buying power of your paycheck.

First, the big picture: Texas has no state income tax, while Montana has a progressive income tax ranging from 1% to 6.75%. For a high earner, this is a massive deal. On a $100,000 salary, you could save over $6,000 annually in Texas compared to Montana at the top bracket. That’s a significant chunk of change.

But cost of living is more than just taxes. Let's break it down.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Houston, TX	Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, MT	Winner
Median Home Price	$335,000	$209,700	Anaconda
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$806	Anaconda
Housing Index	106.5 (6.5% above U.S. avg)	118.4 (18.4% above U.S. avg)	Houston
Median Income	$62,637	$49,533	Houston

Insight: The Housing Index is a head-scratcher. Anaconda has a higher index than Houston, meaning housing costs are proportionally higher relative to its local income. This is a classic small-town problem: limited housing stock coupled with demand from retirees and remote workers. While the raw numbers for rent and home prices are lower in Anaconda, your income is also lower. In Houston, you’ll pay more for housing, but your salary potential is significantly higher.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your take-home pay (after federal and no state tax) is roughly $75,000. You're spending about 15% of your take-home on a median 1BR apartment.

If you earn $100,000 in Anaconda (a very high salary for the area), your take-home after federal and Montana state tax is closer to $68,000. You're spending about 14% of your take-home on a median 1BR apartment.

The Verdict: For the same salary, Houston gives you more raw dollars in your pocket thanks to no state income tax. However, the cost of living in Anaconda is deceptively high for locals. Houston wins on pure salary-to-tax ratio, but Anaconda offers cheaper raw housing prices if you can land a comparable salary (which is tough locally).

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Heat

Houston's Market: It’s a Seller’s Market in many desirable neighborhoods. Inventory is tight, and prices have been rising steadily. The median home price of $335,000 is the entry point for a decent single-family home in many suburbs. Competition is fierce, and you need to be pre-approved and ready to move fast. Renting is a more flexible option, but prices are climbing.

Anaconda's Market: This is a unique market. It’s a mix of a Buyer’s Market for existing homes and a Seller’s Market for prime properties. The median home price of $209,700 is appealing, but inventory is extremely low. Many homes are older, historic properties that may need significant updates. The market is also heavily influenced by retirees and second-home buyers, which can drive up prices for the limited stock available.

Insight: In Houston, you’re competing with a massive population. In Anaconda, you’re competing with a tiny inventory. For a first-time homebuyer, Anaconda’s lower price tag is enticing, but the supply issue is a major hurdle.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

Houston: Infamous. The word "sprawl" doesn't do it justice. Commutes of 45-60 minutes are standard for many, and traffic congestion is a daily reality. You need a car, period.
Anaconda: Non-issue. The town is small enough that you can get anywhere in under 10 minutes. The commute is often a scenic mountain drive.

Weather

Houston: Humid subtropical. Summers are brutally hot and humid, with highs regularly hitting 95°F+ and heat indices over 100°F. Winters are mild (average 59°F), but the humidity makes it feel colder. Hurricanes are a real threat.
Anaconda: Mountain continental. Winters are long, cold, and snowy (average 39°F for lows, but highs can be in the 30s). Summers are mild and dry, perfect for outdoor activities. You get four distinct seasons, and the air is crisp and clean.

Crime & Safety

Houston: Violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood—some areas are very safe, others have serious issues. You must do your research.
Anaconda: Violent crime rate is 469.8 per 100,000. This is closer to the national average but still a consideration for a small town. Generally, it’s considered a safe community, but like anywhere, property crime can occur.

Insight: This is a major trade-off. Houston offers more economic opportunity but comes with higher crime and brutal weather. Anaconda offers a safer environment and stunning weather (for those who love winter), but with limited amenities and fewer economic drivers.

The Final Verdict

This isn’t about which city is "better"—it’s about which city is better for you.

Winner for Families: Houston

Why: The sheer volume of school districts, family-friendly amenities (zoos, museums, parks), and diverse communities is unmatched. The higher median income allows for a better standard of living, and the no-income-tax helps with the cost of raising kids. The trade-off is traffic and safety concerns, which require careful neighborhood selection.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston

Why: Career opportunities are in a different league. The energy, healthcare, and tech sectors are booming. The social scene is vibrant, with endless networking events, restaurants, and nightlife. You can build a career and a social life simultaneously. Anaconda’s economy is limited and social life is quiet.

Winner for Retirees: Anaconda-Deer Lodge County

Why: For retirees not dependent on a local job market, Anaconda is a dream. The slower pace, stunning natural beauty, and low-stress environment are ideal. The lower cost of living (for those with good retirement savings) is a plus, and the community is tight-knit. The trade-off is limited healthcare access (you’ll likely travel to Butte or Missoula for specialists) and harsh winters.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Houston, Texas

Pros:

No state income tax – More money in your pocket.
Massive job market – Opportunities across multiple industries.
World-class food & culture – Unbeatable diversity and amenities.
Excellent healthcare & education options – Top-tier hospitals and universities.

Cons:

Brutal summer weather – Oppressive heat and humidity for 5+ months.
Terrible traffic – Long, stressful commutes are the norm.
Higher crime rates – Requires careful neighborhood research.
Sprawling, car-dependent – Public transit is limited.

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana