📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Compton and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Compton vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Compton | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $69,965 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $637,500 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $523 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,252 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 173.0 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.98 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 890.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 8.6% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 97 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're standing at a crossroads, trying to decide between the sprawling, oil-slicked giant of Texas and the sun-drenched, culturally resonant city of Compton. This isn't just about zip codes; it's a choice between two fundamentally different American lifestyles. As your relocation expert and data journalist, I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, backed by hard numbers and real-world context. Grab a coffee, and let's dive into the ultimate head-to-head: Houston vs. Compton.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Iconic Hustle
First, let's talk about the soul of these places.
Houston is a beast. It's a "choose your own adventure" metropolis that feels less like a city and more like a dozen smaller cities stitched together. You've got the gleaming skyscrapers of Downtown, the lush, historic charm of The Heights, the vibrant Vietnamese community in Asiatown, and the upscale shopping of River Oaks. The vibe is laid-back but ambitious. It's a city of transplants, where people move for jobs (energy, healthcare, tech) and stay for the space, the food (arguably the best in the country), and the lack of state income tax. It's car-centric, humid, and unapologetically big. This is for the professional who wants big-city amenities without the extreme price tag, the foodie who lives for a new taqueria, and the family that craves a backyard and a dedicated school district.
Compton is a different beast entirely. It's not a sprawling metropolis; it's a dense, historically significant city in the heart of Los Angeles County. The vibe is gritty, resilient, and deeply cultural. Compton is the birthplace of West Coast hip-hop, home to legends like Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, and The Game. It's a city with a strong sense of identity and community, but it's also grappling with the challenges of urban density and economic inequality. Life here is fast-paced, sun-soaked, and inextricably linked to the larger Southern California ecosystem. You're close to the beach, the entertainment industry, and endless cultural opportunities. This is for the creative, the hustler, the person who wants to be at the epicenter of cultural trends and is willing to navigate the complexities of LA County living.
Verdict: If you want space to breathe, a booming job market, and a more suburban feel, Houston is your jam. If you want to be rooted in iconic urban culture with unparalleled access to the LA basin, Compton is calling your name.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Scream?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's get straight to the numbers.
The Purchasing Power Problem
Let's say you earn a comfortable $100,000 a year. In Houston, with 0% state income tax, your take-home pay is roughly $75,000 (after federal taxes and FICA). In Compton, you're in California, facing a state income tax that can range from 6% to 12% depending on your bracket. That same $100k might net you closer to $68,000-$70,000. Right off the bat, Houston gives you a $5,000-$7,000 annual advantage just in taxes.
Now, let's see how that money translates into daily life.
Cost of Living Head-to-Head
| Category | Houston | Compton | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $2,252 | Houston wins, decisively. You're paying nearly double for a similar apartment in Compton. |
| Utilities | ~$170 | ~$210 | Compton edges out in cost, but the bigger factor is usage—Houston's AC runs 8 months a year. |
| Groceries | Index: 106.5 | Index: 173.0 | Houston dominates. Groceries are over 60% more expensive in Compton, a brutal hit to the monthly budget. |
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $637,500 | Sticker shock. The Compton home costs nearly $300,000 more than Houston's. |
Insight: The math is brutal. A $100,000 salary in Houston feels like a $160,000+ lifestyle in Compton when you factor in housing, groceries, and taxes. The "deal" in Compton isn't the cost of living; it's the access you're buying into. You're paying a premium to be in the Los Angeles market, which is one of the most expensive in the world.
Winner for Dollar Power: Houston. By a landslide. If your primary goal is to maximize your standard of living, save money, or get the most house for your money, Houston is the undeniable champion.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston: A Buyer's Market (For Now)
The median home price of $335,000 is within reach for many dual-income households. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. You get more square footage, a plot of land, and newer construction. The trade-off is the commute; you might be driving 30-45 minutes to work, but you'll have a 3-bedroom home with a garage. Renting is a viable, affordable path, especially in neighborhoods like Midtown or the Museum District.
Compton: A Seller's Market in a Seller's State
With a median home price of $637,500, homeownership is a monumental hurdle for most. You're competing with investors, tech money from Silicon Beach, and the general scarcity of the Southern California market. What you get for that price is often a smaller, older home that needs work. The housing index of 173.0 screams "expensive." Renting is the default for the vast majority, and even that is punishing. You're not just renting a space; you're renting a location.
The Verdict: In Houston, you can realistically aspire to buy a home. In Compton, you're more likely to be a long-term renter unless you have significant capital or are a high earner. Houston wins for aspiring homeowners.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference trumps data.
Traffic & Commute:
- Houston: Legendary. The city is built for cars, and the 288, 59, and I-10 are parking lots during rush hour. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes. Public transit (METRO) exists but is limited.
- Compton: Part of the LA County traffic machine. You're dealing with the 91, 110, and 710 freeways. Commutes are long, often 1-2 hours each way if you work in downtown LA or the Westside. Public transit (Metro Rail/Bus) is more extensive but still not as efficient as a car.
Weather:
- Houston: 59°F average is misleading. It's a tale of two climates: brutally humid summers (90°F+ with high humidity) and mild, occasionally chilly winters. Hurricane season is a real threat.
- Compton: 64°F average is more accurate. It's the classic Southern California Mediterranean climate: dry, sunny, and pleasant year-round. The biggest weather gripe is the marine layer (June Gloom) and the risk of wildfires. No snow, minimal rain.
Crime & Safety:
Let's be direct. Both cities have serious safety challenges.
- Houston: Violent Crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000. This is high, but it's hyper-local. Neighborhoods like Bellaire or Kingwood are incredibly safe, while areas like Sunnyside or parts of the Southside have higher crime rates. The key is neighborhood research.
- Compton: Violent Crime rate is 890.0 per 100,000. Statistically, it's slightly lower than Houston's, but the perception and reality of crime in specific parts of Compton can be intense. Safety varies block by block. You must be diligent about your specific neighborhood choice.
The Dealbreaker Verdict: For weather, Compton wins. For managing a commute, neither is a winner, but Houston's sprawl gives you more housing options to shorten your drive. For safety, it's a push—both require careful, neighborhood-specific research.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?
After crunching the numbers and living the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.
| Winner For... | City | The Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Houston | Space, schools, and affordability. You can buy a home, get a yard, and access a wide range of school districts (public, charter, private) for a fraction of the cost. The cost of living allows for a higher quality of life on a middle-class income. |
| Singles/Young Pros | It Depends | Houston if you prioritize saving money, building a career in energy/healthcare, and want a more relaxed, city-within-a-city social scene. Compton if you're in entertainment, creative fields, or crave the LA hustle and the cultural cachet that comes with it, and you're willing to pay the premium. |
| Retirees | Houston | Financial solvency. The lack of state income tax on retirement income is a massive advantage. The lower cost of living stretches savings and pensions further. While the weather is less ideal, the financial freedom is a dealmaker for most retirees. |
The City-Specific Pros & Cons
Houston: The Space & Affordability Champion
Pros:
- Unbeatable Purchasing Power: Your money goes exponentially further.
- 0% State Income Tax: A massive financial boon.
- World-Class Food Scene: Unrivaled diversity and quality.
- Major Job Market: Energy, healthcare, aerospace, and tech are booming.
- No State Income Tax: Did we mention it’s a game-changer?
- Cultural Diversity: A true melting pot with vibrant communities from every corner of the globe.
Cons:
- Brutal Humidity & Heat: The summer is long and oppressive.
- Traffic is a Nightmare: Commutes are long and stressful.
- Car Dependency: You need a car to function.
- Hurricane Risk: A real and recurring threat.
- Sprawl: You can feel disconnected from the city center if you live far out.
Compton: The Cultural & Location Powerhouse
Pros:
- Prime LA County Location: Access to beaches, Hollywood, and endless entertainment.
- Perfect Weather: Year-round sunshine and mild temperatures.
- Cultural Significance: A hub of music, art, and Black American history.
- Strong Community Feel: A sense of identity and resilience.
- Public Transit Options: Better than Houston’s (though still not great).
Cons:
- Staggering Cost of Living: High rent, groceries, and taxes.
- Low Home Ownership Rate: The dream is out of reach for most.
- Traffic Congestion: You're in the LA traffic vortex.
- Safety Varies Wildly: Neighborhood research is non-negotiable.
- Competitive Job Market: High competition for well-paying jobs outside of specific industries.
The Bottom Line
Houston is the practical, financially intelligent choice. It offers a high quality of life without the financial strain, making it ideal for families, budget-conscious professionals, and retirees. It’s a city where you can build a future.
Compton is the passion play. You’re buying into the energy, culture, and opportunity of the Los Angeles area. It’s for those who prioritize location and culture over cost, who are willing to hustle harder to afford the premium, and who see the value in being part of a legendary urban story.
Your decision boils down to one question: Do you want your money to work for you, or are you willing to pay a premium to be at the center of the cultural universe? Choose wisely.