Ankeny vs Houston

Category / Metric	Ankeny	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$105,862	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$323,500	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$214	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$787	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	86.1	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	301.8	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	—	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	31	44

HOUSTON vs. ANKENY: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston—a sprawling, energy-rich behemoth where the phrase "bigger is better" is a way of life. On the other, Ankeny—a meticulously planned, family-centric suburb of Des Moines, Iowa, where community and quiet efficiency reign supreme.

This isn't just a choice between a city and a town; it's a choice between two completely different American lifestyles. Is your dream life defined by the non-stop buzz of a major metro, or the calm, predictable rhythm of the Midwest? Let's crunch the numbers and feel out the vibes to help you decide where to plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. Big Community

Houston is a titan. With a population of 2.3 million, it's the fourth-largest city in the U.S. The vibe here is eclectic, entrepreneurial, and unapologetically diverse. This is a city where NASA's Johnson Space Center rubs shoulders with world-class museums, and where you can find authentic Tex-Mex, Vietnamese pho, and West African cuisine all on the same street. It’s a powerhouse for careers in energy, healthcare, and tech. The lifestyle is fast-paced, car-dependent, and defined by its lack of zoning laws—meaning a residential street can suddenly give way to a strip mall. It's for the ambitious, the adventurous, and those who thrive on constant stimulation.

Ankeny, with its 74,455 residents, is the picture of modern suburban living. It’s a planned community that consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Iowa (and the Midwest) for families. The vibe is clean, safe, and community-oriented, with an exceptional public school system, extensive park trails, and a palpable sense of neighborhood pride. It’s a hub for commuters working in Des Moines, offering a peaceful home base without the chaos of a downtown core. Ankeny is for those who prioritize stability, family, and a high quality of life without the overwhelming scale of a major metropolis.

Who is it for?

• Houston is for the career-driven professional, the foodie, the culture-seeking urbanite, and anyone who wants endless options at their fingertips.
• Ankeny is for young families, first-time homebuyers seeking stability, and those who want a strong community feel with easy access to a mid-sized city's amenities.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?

This is where the story gets interesting. At first glance, Houston's numbers look higher, but the devil is in the details—and the taxes.

Let's break down the monthly costs. We'll use the provided data for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Expense Category	Houston, TX	Ankeny, IA	The Winner (Lower Cost)
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$787	Ankeny by $348/mo
Utilities (Est.)	~$180 (High A/C)	~$150 (Heating)	Ankeny (Slight Edge)
Groceries	~$350	~$320	Ankeny (Slight Edge)
Total Monthly	~$1,665	~$1,257	Ankeny

Salary Wars & The Tax Twist:
Here’s the kicker. The median household income in Ankeny is a staggering $105,862—that's 69% higher than Houston's $62,637. This isn't just a small difference; it's a complete reversal of the typical "city vs. suburb" income dynamic.

But the real financial advantage for Houston is the 0% state income tax. Iowa, conversely, has a progressive income tax system. For a single filer earning $100,000 in 2024, the state income tax would be roughly $5,000-$5,500 in Iowa. In Texas, it's $0.

So, if you earn $100,000:

• In Ankeny, your take-home pay is lower due to state taxes, but your cost of living is ~25% lower than Houston's. You'll feel the financial breathing room.
• In Houston, your take-home pay is higher (no state tax), but your living costs are higher. Your purchasing power is strong, but you're paying a premium for location and climate.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: For most middle-income earners, Ankeny offers better bang for your buck. The combination of a higher local median income and a lower cost of living creates a powerful financial advantage. Houston is more favorable for high earners who can maximize the lack of state income tax.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Houston:

• Median Home Price: $335,000
• Housing Index: 106.5 (Above national average)
• Market Reality: Houston's market is vast and varied. You can find everything from a historic bungalow in Montrose to a sprawling suburban home in The Woodlands. The market is competitive but offers more inventory and variety than many major cities. It's more of a buyer's market in many neighborhoods compared to the extreme seller's markets on the coasts. Renting is a viable long-term option, with the $1,135 rent being relatively reasonable for a city of its size.

Ankeny:

• Median Home Price: $323,500
• Housing Index: 86.1 (Below national average)
• Market Reality: The housing prices are nearly identical to Houston's, which is a shocker. However, the housing index tells the true story: Ankeny is significantly more affordable relative to national standards. The market here is tight. Ankeny's excellent reputation draws families, leading to a seller's market for desirable homes. You get more house for your money in terms of quality and space, but you might face bidding wars. Renting is exceptionally affordable, making it a smart move for newcomers.

Verdict: If you're buying, Ankeny offers better value relative to the national market, but be prepared for competition. Houston offers more variety and slightly less competition. For renters, Ankeny is the clear financial winner.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Houston: This is a major dealbreaker. Houston is notoriously car-dependent with some of the worst traffic in the nation. The average commute is long, and rush hour can be brutal. Public transit exists but is limited. Your car is your lifeline.
• Ankeny: A commuter's dream. It's a 15-20 minute drive to downtown Des Moines. Traffic is minimal, and commutes are predictable and short. The city is designed for easy navigation.

Weather:

• Houston: The data says 59.0°F average, but don't be fooled. It's a story of extremes. Summers are long, brutal, and humid, with 90°F+ days for months. Winters are mild but can be rainy. Hurricane season is a real threat. You pay for the mild winters with oppressive summers.
• Ankeny: The data says 27.0°F average, and that's the reality. Winters are cold and snowy, with a real possibility of winter extending for months. Summers are warm and pleasant, a perfect balance. If you hate snow and cold, this is a non-starter.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most stark contrast. The data provides violent crime rates per 100,000 people.

• Houston: 912.4. This is significantly above the national average. Like any major city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others have high crime rates. Vigilance is required.
• Ankeny: 301.8. This is well below the national average and exceptionally low for a suburb of its size. Ankeny is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Iowa. This is a massive point in its favor for families and anyone prioritizing personal security.

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The Final Verdict

Both cities have clear strengths and weaknesses. The right choice depends entirely on what you value most.

🏆 Winner for Families: ANKENY
The trifecta of safety (crime rate of 301.8 vs. Houston's 912.4), top-tier public schools, and a strong, family-oriented community makes Ankeny nearly unbeatable for raising kids. The lower cost of living and higher median income are just the icing on the cake.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: HOUSTON
For career opportunities, networking, cultural diversity, and an endless array of entertainment and dining options, Houston is the clear choice. The lack of state income tax is a huge plus for higher earners, and the city's energy is infectious. Just be prepared for the commute and the higher costs.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: ANKENY
This is a tough call, but Ankeny edges out Houston for most retirees. The critical factor is safety and a lower cost of living on a fixed income. While Houston offers more cultural activities, the safety concerns and high summer humidity can be challenging for older adults. Ankeny provides peace, security, and affordability.

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City-Specific Pros & Cons

HOUSTON, TX

• Pros:
  • Economic Powerhouse: Massive job market in energy, healthcare, and tech.
  • 0% State Income Tax: A significant financial advantage.
  • World-Class Food & Culture: Unparalleled diversity and culinary scene.
  • Mild Winters: Escape the brutal cold found elsewhere.
• Cons:
  • High Violent Crime: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
  • Brutal Humidity & Heat: Summers are long and oppressive.
  • Terrible Traffic: Long, stressful commutes are the norm.
  • Hurricane Risk: A seasonal threat that can't be ignored.

ANKENY, IA

• Pros:
  • Exceptional Safety: One of the safest places in the Midwest.
  • High Median Income ($105,862): Strong local economy.
  • Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.
  • Top-Rated Schools & Community: Ideal for families and community engagement.
• Cons:
  • Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy seasons.
  • Limited Diversity & Nightlife: A quieter, more homogenous culture.
  • Smaller Scale: Far fewer cultural amenities than a major metro.
  • State Income Tax: A hit to your take-home pay.

The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if you're chasing career growth, cultural vibrancy, and can handle the climate and traffic. Choose Ankeny if you prioritize safety, community, financial stability, and a family-friendly environment, and you don't mind the snow.