Biloxi vs Houston

Category / Metric	Biloxi	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$55,958	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.8%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$300,250	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$145	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$923	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	100.0	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	291.2	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	28.9%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	44

Houston vs. Biloxi: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. One path leads to a sprawling, energy-packed metropolis where you can eat your way through a dozen cultures before noon. The other leads to a salty, laid-back Gulf Coast town where the pace slows down and the casinos glow against the sunset. This isn’t just about zip codes; it’s about choosing your daily rhythm, your community, and your hard-earned dollar’s potential.

Let’s pit Houston, Texas against Biloxi, Mississippi and see which city deserves your next chapter.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Small-Town Soul

Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. for a reason. This is a concrete jungle where ambition is the currency and diversity is the main attraction. You don’t just live in Houston; you survive it. The vibe is fast-paced, fiercely independent, and unapologetically huge. It’s a city for the hustlers, the foodies, and those who want endless options—from world-class museums and pro sports to a nightlife that doesn’t quit. If you’re a young professional looking to climb the corporate ladder or a family seeking top-tier schools and cultural exposure, Houston’s relentless energy is your fuel.

Biloxi, on the other hand, is a coastal respite. With a population of just 49,011, it’s a fraction of Houston’s size. The vibe here is defined by the Gulf of Mexico: salty air, historic lighthouse views, and a rhythm dictated by the tide and the casinos. It’s a town where people know their neighbors, and life revolves around the water, seafood, and a slower, more manageable pace. Biloxi is for those seeking a break from the rat race—retirees wanting a scenic, affordable home base, or young professionals in hospitality and gaming who prioritize lifestyle over endless career ladders. It’s a haven for beach lovers and those who value community over anonymity.

Verdict: This is a clash of titans vs. a cozy village. Houston wins for urbanites and career-driven individuals. Biloxi is the clear choice for beach lovers and those craving a slower pace.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re not just looking at raw numbers; we’re analyzing purchasing power. Where does a $100,000 salary feel like more?

First, a massive caveat: Texas has a 0% state income tax. Mississippi’s state income tax is progressive, reaching up to 5%. On a $100,000 salary, that’s a difference of roughly $5,000 per year that stays in your pocket in Houston, giving you an immediate head start.

Let’s break down the monthly costs.

Cost of Living & Rent Comparison

Category	Houston	Biloxi	Insight
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$923	Biloxi is ~19% cheaper for housing.
Utilities	$180	$160	Slight edge to Biloxi, but comparable.
Groceries	$350	$320	Biloxi wins by a small margin.
Housing Index	106.5	100.0	Houston is 6.5% above the national average; Biloxi is right at the average.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your take-home after federal taxes (and 0% state tax) is roughly $75,000 annually. Your rent is $1,135 per month, or $13,620 annually. That leaves you with $61,380 for everything else. That’s a 22% housing burden.

In Biloxi, with a 5% state income tax, that same $100,000 salary yields about $71,000 annually. Rent is $923 per month, or $11,076 annually. Your remaining funds are $59,924. The housing burden is only 15%.

The Insight: While Houston’s no-income-tax is a huge perk, the sheer cost of living and housing eats into that advantage. For pure monthly cash flow, Biloxi offers a better bang for your buck, especially if you’re buying a home. Houston’s advantage lies in its higher average salaries and career ceiling, which can offset the higher costs over the long term. For the same lifestyle (apartment living), Biloxi is more affordable. But Houston’s earning potential is in a different league.

Winner for Dollar Power: It’s a split. Biloxi wins for affordable living on a fixed budget. Houston wins for long-term earning potential and wealth building if you can secure a high-paying job.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Reality

Houston: Buyer’s Paradise (For Now)?
Houston’s median home price is $335,000. The market is competitive but not as cutthroat as Austin or San Francisco. With a Housing Index of 106.5, it’s slightly above average, but the inventory is vast. You can find everything from a modest starter home to a sprawling mansion in the suburbs. The key here is space—you get more square footage for your money in Houston than in most major metros. Renting is a common and viable path, but with prices rising, many are looking to buy to lock in costs.

Biloxi: A Steady, Accessible Market.
Biloxi’s median home price is $300,250, making it $34,750 cheaper than Houston. The Housing Index of 100.0 (exactly the national average) signals stability. This isn’t a boomtown; it’s a steady market. You can buy a charming home near the beach or a condo in the casino district for a fraction of what a similar property would cost in Houston. The market is less volatile, which is great for retirees or those seeking stability. Competition is lower, giving buyers more negotiating power.

Verdict: For buyers, Biloxi offers a more accessible, lower-stress entry point into homeownership. For renters, the choice is starker: Houston offers more variety and proximity to jobs, but Biloxi offers lower monthly costs.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Unfiltered

Traffic & Commute

This is not even a competition. Houston’s traffic is legendary—and brutal. Commutes can easily stretch to 60-90 minutes each way on a bad day in the sprawling metro area. You will spend significant time in your car. Biloxi has virtually no traffic. A commute across town takes 15 minutes, max. If you value your time and sanity, Biloxi wins hands down.

Weather

Both are hot and humid, but in different ways.

• Houston: Experiences true, oppressive Gulf Coast humidity year-round. Summers are long, with temperatures regularly hitting 90°F+ from May to September. Winters are mild but can have chilly, rainy snaps. Hurricane season is a serious threat.
• Biloxi: Has a slightly more temperate coastal climate. Summers are hot and humid, but the constant sea breeze offers relief. Winters are mild. It’s also in a hurricane zone, but the risk is slightly lower than in Houston due to its smaller size and location.

Verdict: A tie. Both have heat and humidity. If you hate traffic, Biloxi’s slower pace and shorter commutes make its weather more bearable.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest look at the data.

• Houston: With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100,000 people, Houston’s rate is significantly higher than the national average (~380 per 100k). Like any massive city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must research specific areas thoroughly.
• Biloxi: With a violent crime rate of 291.2 per 100,000 people, Biloxi is actually below the national average. While no city is crime-free, the data suggests a significantly safer environment in terms of violent crime per capita.

Verdict: Biloxi is statistically safer. However, Houston’s safety is highly neighborhood-dependent. If you prioritize safety above all, Biloxi’s stats are reassuring.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

🏆 Winner for Families: Houston
While safer, Biloxi’s limited school district options and fewer family-centric activities (museums, sports, diverse cultural events) can’t compete with Houston’s vast resources. Houston’s suburbs offer excellent schools, sprawling parks, and endless activities for kids. The trade-off for higher traffic and cost is access to a world-class upbringing.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston
The career opportunities, networking, social scene, and sheer diversity of experiences in Houston are unmatched. Biloxi is great for a specific subset (hospitality, gaming, remote workers who love the beach), but Houston is a launchpad. The higher salary potential and dynamic environment are ideal for building a career and a social life.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Biloxi
This is Biloxi’s sweet spot. Lower cost of living, a safer environment, no state income tax on Social Security (MS exempts retirement income), a slower pace, and a beautiful coastal setting make it a retiree’s paradise. Houston’s hustle and traffic are antithetical to a peaceful retirement.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Houston, Texas

Pros:

• 0% State Income Tax – A massive financial advantage.
• Economic Powerhouse – Unmatched job opportunities in energy, healthcare, tech, and more.
• World-Class Diversity & Food – A culinary and cultural capital of the South.
• Endless Entertainment – Sports, museums, concerts, nightlife—never bored.
• Spacious Living – More home and land for your money compared to other major metros.

Cons:

• Brutal Traffic & Commutes – Can consume hours of your day.
• High Cost of Living – Especially for housing and utilities.
• High Violent Crime Rate – Requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Oppressive Humidity & Heat – Summers are long and sticky.
• Sprawling & Car-Dependent – Public transit is limited.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Pros:

• Extremely Affordable – Lower cost of living across the board.
• Safer Statistics – Violent crime rate is below the national average.
• Slower Pace of Life – Minimal traffic, more community feel.
• Beautiful Coastal Setting – Beaches, seafood, and a scenic environment.
• Retiree-Friendly – Tax-friendly for retirees, peaceful atmosphere.

Cons:

• Limited Economic Diversity – Fewer high-paying job opportunities outside gaming/hospitality.
• Smaller City Limitations – Fewer entertainment, dining, and cultural options.
• Hurricane Risk – Coastal location brings seasonal storm threats.
• Slower Pace Can Feel Slow – Not ideal for those craving constant action.
• Smaller School Districts – Fewer options compared to a major metro.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t about which city is “better,” but which city is better for you.

Choose Houston if you’re chasing a career, crave urban energy, and are willing to trade time in traffic for higher earning potential and endless options. It’s a city for building a future.

Choose Biloxi if you’re prioritizing peace, affordability, and a coastal lifestyle. It’s a city for enjoying the present—ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those in the hospitality industry who value community and calm over the relentless pace of a metropolis.

Your choice is a reflection of your current chapter. Are you writing a story of ambition and scale, or one of relaxation and simplicity? The data is clear, but the right path is personal. Choose wisely.