Category / Metric	Brockton	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$79,990	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$500,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$319	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,488	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	148.2	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.83	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	678.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	20.1%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	44

Houston vs. Brockton: The Ultimate Texas vs. Massachusetts Showdown

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. On the surface, this head-to-head feels like a total mismatch. One is a sprawling, energy-rich mega-city in the heart of Texas. The other is a historic, coastal city in Massachusetts, often called the "City of Champions." But dig into the data, and you'll find a fascinating clash of lifestyles, budgets, and priorities.

Let’s cut through the noise. If you're trying to decide between the Lone Star State's powerhouse and the Bay State's resilient contender, this is the no-nonsense guide you need. We're talking about Houston, Texas versus Brockton, Massachusetts. Grab your coffee, and let's dive in.

The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Historic Grit

Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a sprawling, car-dependent metropolis where the energy sector reigns supreme. The vibe is global, fast-paced, and relentlessly optimistic. You’ll find world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from food trucks to Michelin stars), and a diverse population that reflects almost every corner of the globe. It’s a city of transplants, a place where you can reinvent yourself. If you crave endless options, a dynamic job market, and a "bigger is better" mentality, Houston calls your name.

Brockton, on the other hand, is a city with deep roots and a fierce sense of identity. Known as the "City of Champions" for boxing legends like Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler, it’s a historic New England city with a strong working-class heritage. Life here is more grounded. It’s a city of single-family homes, tight-knit neighborhoods, and a slower, more seasonal rhythm. You’re not getting the global cuisine or world-class museums of a major metro, but you’re getting a sense of community and a connection to history. Brockton is for those who value a sense of place over a constant influx of the new.

Who is each city for?

Houston: The ambitious professional, the foodie, the family seeking diverse schools and endless activities, and anyone who wants a taste of the "big city" life without the astronomical price tags of coastal elites.
Brockton: The homebody, the history buff, the commuter who works in Boston but wants more space for their dollar, and anyone who prefers four distinct seasons and a strong neighborhood feel over urban sprawl.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk about purchasing power. Earning a six-figure salary means something wildly different in these two markets.

First, the elephant in the room: Taxes. Texas has no state income tax. Massachusetts has a flat income tax of 5%. On a $100,000 salary, that’s an immediate $5,000 difference in your pocket before you even pay for housing. This is a massive, often overlooked, dealbreaker for many movers.

Now, let's look at the hard costs. I've crunched the numbers to show you what your day-to-day life costs.

Cost of Living Snapshot (Index = 100 = National Average)

Category	Houston	Brockton	The Takeaway
Overall Housing Index	106.5	148.2	Brockton's housing is 39% more expensive relative to the national average. This is the single biggest cost driver.
Median Home Price	$335,000	$500,000	To buy a typical home in Brockton, you need to budget $165,000 more than in Houston. That's a staggering gap.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,488	Renting in Brockton costs about 31% more per month. That’s an extra $4,236 per year.
Utilities	~$150/month	~$180/month	Brockton winters mean higher heating bills. Houston's AC runs almost year-round. It's a wash.
Groceries	~5% below nat'l avg	~3% above nat'l avg	Houston edges out Brockton slightly on food costs, thanks to its massive logistics network.

The Verdict on Salary & Purchasing Power:
Let's play out a scenario. You earn the median income in each city.

In Houston, you make $62,637. With no state income tax and a lower cost of living, this money stretches further. You can afford a mortgage on that $335,000 home more comfortably.
In Brockton, you make $79,990. After a 5% state tax, your take-home is closer to ~$76,000. Now, you're facing a $500,000 housing market and higher rents. Your higher salary is being eaten alive by taxes and housing costs.

Winner for Dollar Power: Houston. It’s not even close. The combination of zero state income tax and significantly lower housing costs gives Houston a massive advantage in terms of what your paycheck can actually buy.

CALL-OUT BOX: The Purchasing Power Verdict
If you earn $100,000, you'll feel "richer" in Houston. Your mortgage payment on a $335k home will be hundreds less per month than a $500k home in Brockton, and you'll keep an extra $5,000 from state taxes. In Brockton, that same $100k salary will feel stretched thin, especially when it comes to housing. Houston is the clear winner for maximizing your dollar.

The Housing Market: To Buy or to Rent?

Houston: A Buyer's Market with Options.
The Houston housing market is vast and diverse. For $335,000, you can find a solid 3-4 bedroom home in a family-friendly suburb like Katy or The Woodlands, or a townhouse inside the Loop. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. You have room to negotiate. New construction is constant, giving buyers fresh inventory. If you're looking to buy, Houston offers accessibility that's becoming rare in major U.S. cities.

Brockton: A Seller's Market with High Entry Costs.
Brockton's housing market is a different beast. With a median price of $500,000, the barrier to entry is high. It’s part of the greater Boston metro area, which is notoriously expensive. While $500k might get you a decent single-family home in Brockton, it won't be a mansion. The market is tight, and desirable homes often sell quickly, sometimes over asking price. Renting isn't a cheap escape either, with 1BRs averaging $1,488.

The Bottom Line:

If you want to BUY a home without breaking the bank: Houston is your city. The price gap is simply too large to ignore.
If you're a RENTER: Houston is still cheaper, but Brockton's rent isn't astronomically higher. However, your long-term wealth-building potential is better in Houston, where you can transition to ownership more easily.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic & Commute

Houston: This is a car-centric city. Commutes can be brutal, with average travel times often exceeding 30-45 minutes. The infamous "Houston sprawl" means distances are vast. Public transit exists but is limited. If you hate driving, Houston will test your patience.
Brockton: As part of the Boston metro, Brockton benefits from a more established transit system (MBTA commuter rail and buses). Many residents commute to Boston or surrounding areas. Traffic exists, but it's more predictable and less sprawling than Houston's. For public transit users, Brockton is far superior.

Weather (The "It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity" vs. Four Seasons)

Houston: The weather data says 59.0°F, but that's misleading. Houston is subtropical. Summers are long, hot, and oppressively humid (think 90°F+ with 70%+ humidity). Winters are mild but can be damp and chilly. Hurricane season is a real threat. If you hate sweating the moment you step outside, this is a dealbreaker.
Brockton: Welcome to four distinct seasons. The data shows an average of 52.0°F, but that's the annual mean. You get vibrant autumns, snowy winters (expect 30-50 inches of snow), pleasant springs, and warm summers. If you love seasonal variety and winter sports, Brockton wins. If you dread snow shoveling and gray winters, Houston is your haven.

Crime & Safety

Let's be blunt. Safety is a top concern for anyone moving.

Houston: With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100,000, Houston's rate is significantly higher than the national average. Like any massive city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some suburbs are incredibly safe, while certain areas within the city have high crime rates. Research is non-negotiable.
Brockton: Brockton's violent crime rate is 678.0 per 100,000. While this is also above the national average, it is notably lower than Houston's. As a smaller city, crime is more concentrated, but overall, Brockton presents a statistically safer environment.

Safety Verdict: Brockton has a lower violent crime rate. However, with both cities above the national average, your specific neighborhood choice is the most critical factor for safety in either location.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins?

This isn't about which city is "better," but which is better for you. The data tells a clear story, but your personal priorities will ultimately make the call.

Winner for Families: Houston

Why: More affordable housing ($335k vs. $500k), no state income tax stretching your budget, and an immense variety of school districts, neighborhoods, and kid-friendly activities. The sheer space and amenities are hard to match for the price.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston

Why: The job market is larger and more diverse, the social and nightlife scene is vibrant, and the lower cost of living allows for more disposable income to enjoy the city. You can build a career and a life without being house-poor.

Winner for Retirees: Brockton

Why: While more expensive, Brockton offers a more walkable, community-oriented environment with four seasons. Access to Boston's world-class healthcare is a major plus. For retirees on a fixed income, however, the high cost of living is a serious challenge unless they have substantial savings.

Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Houston: The Lone Star Powerhouse

PROS:

✅ No State Income Tax – A massive financial advantage.
✅ Affordable Housing – Median home price of $335,000 is rare for a major metro.
✅ Diverse Food & Culture – A world-class culinary scene and rich cultural tapestry.
✅ Strong Job Market – Especially in energy, healthcare, and tech.
✅ Mild Winters – Escape the snow and cold.

CONS:

❌ Brutal Summers – Heat and humidity are relentless.
❌ Car-Dependent & Traffic – Long commutes and sprawl are the norm.
❌ Higher Crime Rate – Requires careful neighborhood research.
❌ Hurricane Risk – A seasonal threat that can't be ignored.

Brockton: The Historic Contender