Bennington CDP vs Houston

Category / Metric	Bennington CDP	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$53,839	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$185,100	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,343	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	123.6	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.3	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	35.1%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	44

Head-to-Head: Houston vs. Bennington CDP – The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're staring at a choice between two places that couldn't be more different: the sprawling, energy-hungry beast of Houston, Texas, and the quiet, picturesque CDP of Bennington, Vermont. One is the fourth-largest city in the nation; the other is a blip on the radar with fewer than 9,000 residents.

This isn't just about picking a place to live; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing big-city opportunities and a sizzling social scene, or are you trading it all for crisp mountain air and a tight-knit community feel? Let's dig into the data, weigh the pros and cons, and figure out where you'll actually want to put down roots.

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The Vibe Check: H-Town Hustle vs. Vermont Charm

Houston is a city that refuses to sit still. It's a sprawling, 600-square-mile metropolis fueled by oil, medicine, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. The vibe here is "go big or go home." You'll find world-class museums, a legendary food scene that rivals any major city, and a culture that's as diverse as it gets. It’s a city of transplants—people who came for a job and fell in love with the energy. The downside? It can feel impersonal, and you have to seek out your community; it won't just happen.

Bennington CDP is the definition of a "small town." Nestled in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont, life moves at a different pace. The vibe is "slow down and breathe." It’s about community festivals, hiking trails, and knowing your neighbors. It’s a haven for artists, retirees, and folks looking to escape the rat race. The trade-off? It’s quiet—sometimes too quiet. If you crave anonymity, anonymity is hard to come by here. Your social life is what you make of it, and options are limited.

Who is each city for?

• Houston is for the ambitious, the foodies, the career-driven, and anyone who needs a nonstop pulse to feel alive. It’s for those who value diversity, opportunity, and the amenities of a major metro.
• Bennington is for the nature lover, the peace-seeker, the remote worker who doesn’t need the city, and the retiree ready to trade hustle for harmony. It’s for those who prioritize safety, community, and the great outdoors.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Further?

This is where the narrative gets interesting. On the surface, Houston’s median income is higher, but the real story is purchasing power.

Let’s break down the monthly costs.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Houston, TX	Bennington CDP, VT	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$185,100	Bennington wins on purchase price.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,343	Houston wins on monthly rent.
Housing Index	106.5	123.6	Bennington is 16% more expensive for housing overall.
Median Income	$62,637	$53,839	Houston earns more, but taxes matter.

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor:
Here’s the kicker. Houston is in Texas, which has 0% state income tax. Vermont has a progressive income tax that tops out at 8.75% for high earners. Let’s do the math on a $100,000 salary.

• Houston: You keep your $100,000 (minus federal tax). The state takes $0. Your paycheck is bigger right off the bat.
• Bennington: On $100,000, you’d pay roughly $4,800-$5,500 in state income tax, depending on deductions. That’s $400+ per month gone before you even pay for groceries.

Now, let’s look at purchasing power. Even though Bennington’s median home price is lower, its Housing Index is 123.6 compared to Houston’s 106.5, meaning housing is 16% more expensive relative to the local market. Combine that with higher taxes, and that $53,839 median income in Vermont just doesn’t buy the same lifestyle as $62,637 in Houston.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: Houston. The combination of a higher median income, no state income tax, and a lower relative housing cost means your dollar simply goes further. In Bennington, you’re paying a premium for the Vermont lifestyle—literally.

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The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?

Houston: The Sprawling Buyer’s Market

• Buying: The market is active but not as frenzied as some coastal cities. With a median home price of $335,000, you get a lot of house for your money—often with a yard, in a newer suburb. The catch? You might be looking at a long commute. Inventory is decent, giving buyers some leverage.
• Renting: Rent is surprisingly affordable for a major city ($1,135 for a 1BR). It’s a great option for newcomers or those not ready to commit to a 30-year mortgage in a flood-prone zone (yes, that’s a real consideration in Houston).

Bennington: The Tight, Competitive Market

• Buying: The median home price of $185,100 is incredibly tempting. But here’s the reality: inventory is extremely limited. You’re competing with locals, second-home buyers, and remote workers fleeing cities. The Housing Index of 123.6 tells the story—demand outstrips supply, making it a competitive seller’s market. You need to be ready to move fast and possibly offer over asking.
• Renting: Surprisingly, renting is more expensive than in Houston ($1,343). This is due to the severe shortage of rental properties. Many landlords cater to the lucrative vacation rental market (Airbnb), squeezing out long-term renters. Finding a decent apartment can be a challenge.

Verdict: If you want flexibility and lower upfront costs, Houston’s rental market is more accessible. If you’re ready to buy and have cash in hand, Bennington offers a lower entry price, but you’ll face a tougher, more competitive hunt.

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The Dealbreakers: Life, Weather, and Safety

This is where personal preference overrides spreadsheets.

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: Infamous. The Katy Freeway is 26 lanes wide at its peak, and it’s still packed. The average commute is 29 minutes, but in rush hour, that can easily double. Car ownership is non-negotiable. Public transport (Metro) exists but is limited.
• Bennington: What traffic? You’ll hit a red light, not a bumper-to-bumper jam. The average commute is under 20 minutes. The biggest stressor might be a tractor on the road during harvest season.

Weather

• Houston: Brutal. Summers are long, humid, and oppressive, with temperatures routinely hitting 90°F+ and a heat index soaring higher. Winters are mild (average 59°F), but you trade snow for hurricane season and the constant threat of flooding.
• Bennington: Four distinct, dramatic seasons. Summers are gorgeous and mild. Fall is famously stunning. Winters are cold and snowy (average 45°F, but that’s the annual average—prepare for 0°F days and 100+ inches of snow). You need to love winter sports or own a good snow blower.

Crime & Safety

• Houston: The data is sobering. The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies wildly by neighborhood. Researching specific zip codes is absolutely critical.
• Bennington: One of the safest places in America. The violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100,000—a fraction of Houston’s. You can leave your doors unlocked (though that’s not advised everywhere). It’s a profound difference in daily peace of mind.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?

Choosing between these two is less about which is "better" and more about which is the right fit for you.

Winner	Category	Why
Houston	Families	Better schools (in specific suburbs), more kid-friendly activities (museums, zoo, parks), and more job opportunities for parents. The trade-off is safety and traffic.
Houston	Singles/Young Pros	The social scene, networking opportunities, and sheer variety of things to do are unmatched. The dating pool is massive, and career growth is tangible.
Bennington	Retirees	Lower pace, incredibly safe, strong sense of community, and stunning natural beauty. The financial math can work for retirees on fixed incomes, especially if they sell a home in a high-cost area.

Houston: Pros & Cons

✅ PROS

• No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
• World-Class Food & Culture: Unbeatable dining and entertainment.
• Job Market: Diverse and booming in energy, healthcare, and tech.
• Affordable Housing (for a major city): You get more space for your money.
• Diversity: A true melting pot of cultures.

❌ CONS

• High Crime Rate: Safety is a major concern and varies drastically.
• Brutal Weather: Oppressive heat and humidity for half the year + flood risk.
• Traffic & Sprawl: A car-dependent, long-commute lifestyle.
• Impersonal: Can feel anonymous and isolating.

Bennington CDP: Pros & Cons

✅ PROS

• Extreme Safety: One of the lowest crime rates in the nation.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Mountains, forests, and quintessential New England charm.
• Tight-Knit Community: You’ll know your neighbors.
• Four Beautiful Seasons: Especially fall foliage.
• Slower Pace of Life: A true escape from urban stress.

❌ CONS

• Very Limited Economy: Job opportunities are scarce unless you work remotely.
• High Housing Competition: A tough market for buyers and renters.
• Long, Harsh Winters: Significant snow and cold for months.
• Higher Relative Cost: Your dollar doesn’t stretch as far, especially with taxes.
• Limited Amenities: Fewer restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

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The Bottom Line

If your priority is career growth, cultural vibrancy, and maximizing your paycheck, Houston is the clear winner. It’s a city of opportunity, but you must be prepared for its challenges—crime, heat, and traffic.

If your priority is safety, peace, natural beauty, and community, Bennington is your sanctuary. It’s a place to live, not just work, but you’ll pay a premium for the privilege and must be self-reliant in a small-town economy.

So, ask yourself: Are you running toward opportunity, or away from chaos? Your answer will point you to your new home.