đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Beaverton and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Beaverton vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Beaverton | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $92,650 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $581,050 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $275 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,545 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 124.6 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 104.6 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 178.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 50.7% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 55 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
H-TOWN vs. BEAVERTON: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Welcome to the showdown of the century—or at least, the showdown of your next relocation. On one side, we have Houston: the sprawling, oil-fueled, air-conditioned beast of the South. On the other, Beaverton: the neatly manicured, tech-adjacent, suburban sister to Portland.
Choosing between them isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. One is a humid, high-energy metropolis where you can get a world-class meal for $15. The other is a crisply cool, family-friendly enclave where you’ll pay a premium for a view of the Cascades.
So, let’s cut through the noise. I’ve crunched the numbers, lived through the weather patterns, and I’m here to give you the straight talk. Grab your coffee, and let’s dive in.
1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
Houston: The Big, Beautiful Mess
Houston is America’s fourth-largest city, and it wears that badge with pride. It’s a city of contrasts—towering skyscrapers and sprawling suburbs, high art and hole-in-the-wall taco joints. The vibe is unpretentious, diverse, and relentlessly energetic. It’s a city where you’re more likely to bond over a shared love of brisket than over a fancy cocktail. It’s humid, it’s hot, and it’s always moving.
- Who it’s for: The hustle-lover, the foodie, the space nerd (NASA is here), and anyone who wants big-city amenities without the Northeast price tag. It’s great for people who value cultural diversity and a "live and let live" attitude.
Beaverton: The Planned Perfection
Beaverton is the quintessential "Portland Metro" suburb. It’s clean, green, and incredibly organized. The vibe is laid-back, outdoorsy, and tech-savvy (it’s home to Nike’s world headquarters). Think farmers' markets, bike trails, and a serious commitment to recycling. It’s quieter, more reserved, and the pace is noticeably slower than Houston’s.
- Who it’s for: The suburban family, the outdoor enthusiast, the tech professional who wants a home base near a major city (Portland) without the downtown chaos. It’s perfect for those who prioritize safety, green space, and a more structured community feel.
Verdict: Beaverton wins for "peaceful living," while Houston takes the crown for "urban energy."
2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. The numbers tell a stark story.
Let’s break down the monthly essentials. (Data is an index where 100 is the national average.)
| Expense Category | Houston (Index) | Beaverton (Index) | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | 96.5 (Cheaper) | 130.4 (Expensive) | Beaverton is 35% more expensive overall. |
| Housing | 106.5 | 124.6 | Houston housing is pricey nationally, but Beaverton is significantly steeper. |
| Utilities | 93.8 | 86.7 | Both are below average, but Houston's A/C bills can spike in summer. |
| Groceries | 98.1 | 105.6 | Slightly higher in Beaverton, but not a dealbreaker. |
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $581,050 | Houston is 42% cheaper for a median home. |
| Median 1-BR Rent | $1,135 | $1,545 | Houston saves you $410/month on rent. |
Salary Wars & The Tax Factor
The median income in Beaverton ($92,650) is significantly higher than in Houston ($62,637). But here’s the kicker: your paycheck’s purchasing power is the real metric.
Houston’s Secret Weapon: No State Income Tax. In Texas, your $100k salary is $100k. In Oregon, that same $100k is subject to a progressive state income tax, which can take a bite of 9-10% or more off the top, depending on your deductions. This is a massive, often overlooked, financial advantage for Houston.
The Purchasing Power Test: If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your money goes much further. You can afford a larger home, more disposable income for dining out, and easier savings. In Beaverton, that same $100,000 feels tighter due to the higher cost of living and taxes.
Insight: While Beaverton’s salaries are higher on paper, Houston offers superior bang for your buck. The "sticker shock" in Beaverton is real, especially in housing.
3. The Housing Market: Buy or Rent?
Houston: A Buyer’s Market?
With a median home price of $335,000, Houston is relatively affordable for a major metro. The market is vast, with everything from downtown condos to sprawling suburban homes. Inventory is decent, though competition exists in desirable school districts. It’s generally a more accessible market for first-time homebuyers compared to coastal cities.
Beaverton: The Competitive Squeeze
The median home price of $581,050 tells you this is a high-demand area. You’re paying for location—proximity to Portland, Nike, Intel, and amazing outdoor recreation. The market is tight, and bidding wars are common for well-priced homes in good neighborhoods. Renting is also competitive and expensive.
Verdict: For affordability and more house for your money, Houston is the clear winner. Beaverton is a premium market where you pay for the lifestyle.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous for its sprawl and traffic. Commutes can be long (45-60+ minutes in a car is common). Public transit (Metro) is limited. You drive everywhere.
- Beaverton: Also car-centric, but traffic is more predictable and generally lighter than Houston. The MAX light rail connects you to Portland, and biking infrastructure is excellent. Commutes to Portland are manageable.
Weather: The Great Divide
- Houston: The data says 59.0°F as an average, but that’s misleading. It’s a tale of two seasons: Sweltering Summer (think 90°F+ with 80%+ humidity for months) and a mild, often gray winter. Thunderstorms are frequent. Air conditioning is a survival tool.
- Beaverton: The data says 37.0°F, which reflects the cool, rainy winters. Summers are glorious—dry, warm, and rarely above 85°F. The trade-off is "The Big Gray" from November to March, with frequent drizzle and overcast skies. Snow is rare but possible.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical differentiator.
- Houston: Violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100,000. This is above the national average and is a significant concern in certain neighborhoods. Safety varies dramatically by zip code.
- Beaverton: Violent crime rate of 178.0 per 100,000. This is exceptionally low, well below the national average. Beaverton is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Oregon.
The Verdict: For safety, Beaverton is the undisputed champion. For weather, it’s a matter of preference: do you prefer a humid, hot summer or a cool, gray winter?
5. The Final Verdict
After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s how they stack up for different life stages.
Winner for Families: BEAVERTON
- Why: The safety factor is a massive win for parents. The schools are excellent (Beaverton School District is top-rated), the community is family-oriented, and there are abundant parks and outdoor activities. The higher median income and stable job market (tech) provide financial security. The trade-off is the higher cost of living, but for many families, safety and schools are non-negotiable.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: HOUSTON
- Why: The cost of living is the deciding factor. A young professional can live in a fun neighborhood (like Montrose or The Heights) for a fraction of what a comparable lifestyle would cost in Beaverton. The no-income-tax policy boosts disposable income for going out, travel, and saving. The social scene is vibrant, diverse, and 24/7. The career opportunities in energy, healthcare, and aerospace are immense.
Winner for Retirees: BEAVERTON (with a caveat)
- Why: Safety, walkability (in certain parts), and access to top-tier healthcare (OHSU, Kaiser) are huge draws. The climate is easier on the joints than Houston’s humidity. However, Oregon’s income tax can be a burden on fixed incomes, and the cost of living is steep. Houston could be a contender for retirees who prioritize affordability, no state income tax (great for 401k withdrawals), and warm winters, provided they choose a safe, established suburb.
Final Pros & Cons
Houston: The Lone Star Giant
PROS:
- Massive affordability compared to other major metros.
- No state income tax.
- World-class food scene at all price points.
- Diverse, no-nonsense culture.
- Major international airport (IAH) for easy travel.
- Strong job market in multiple sectors.
CONS:
- High violent crime rate in many areas.
- Extreme summer heat and humidity.
- Car-dependent sprawl with notorious traffic.
- Limited public transit.
- Hurricane/flooding risk.
Beaverton: The Pacific Northwest Jewel
PROS:
- Extremely low violent crime.
- Excellent public schools.
- Access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, coast).
- Mild, dry summers.
- Proximity to Portland’s culture without the city price tag.
- Top-tier healthcare.
CONS:
- Very high cost of living, especially housing.
- State income tax.
- "The Big Gray" can be dreary for months.
- Competitive housing market.
- Can feel insular compared to Houston’s diversity.
The Bottom Line: If your priority is maximizing your salary’s purchasing power and you thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment, Houston is your town. If you value safety, schools, and a quiet, outdoorsy lifestyle and are willing to pay a premium for it, Beaverton is the place to be.
Choose wisely.