Evanston vs Houston

Category / Metric	Evanston	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$97,085	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$420,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$305	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,231	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	110.7	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	103.3	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	425.6	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	—	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	44

Houston vs. Evanston: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re torn between Houston and Evanston. That’s like choosing between a sprawling, sun-soaked barbecue and a cozy, lakeside coffee shop. One is a massive, fast-paced energy hub; the other is a sophisticated, walkable suburb with big-city access. As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and I’m here to tell you which city will actually make you happy—and which will drain your wallet.

Let’s get into it.

The Vibe Check

Houston is the definition of "big." It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a place where everything is bigger, spread out, and fueled by the energy industry. The culture is a wild mix of Southern hospitality, world-class food (seriously, the dining scene is insane), and a relentless hustle. You drive everywhere. The vibe is unpretentious, diverse, and always moving. It’s for the ambitious professional who wants space, opportunity, and a low-tax environment. If you love live music, professional sports, and a city that never fully sleeps, Houston is calling.

Evanston, on the other hand, is a world away. Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago, it’s a beautiful, affluent college town (home to Northwestern University) with a distinct, intellectual, and artsy vibe. It’s walkable, has gorgeous historic architecture, and feels like a polished, self-contained community. You’re not living in a "big city" bubble; you’re in a sophisticated suburb with direct access to Chicago’s downtown via the "L" train. It’s for families and professionals who prioritize walkability, top-tier schools, and a more refined, four-season lifestyle.

Verdict: Houston for the city-lover who wants endless options and a low-key vibe. Evanston for the urbanite who wants charm, walkability, and a quieter home base.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power. You might earn more in Evanston, but does it go as far?

First, let’s break down the monthly costs.

Expense Category	Houston, TX	Evanston, IL	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$420,000	Houston is 25% cheaper to buy a home.
Median Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,231	Houston is about 8% cheaper to rent.
Housing Index	106.5	110.7	Evanston is slightly more expensive overall.
Median Income	$62,637	$97,085	Evanston residents earn 55% more on average.

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor

Here’s the critical insight: Taxes. Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. Let’s run the numbers on a $100,000 salary (a common benchmark for professionals):

• In Houston: You keep the full $100,000 (minus federal taxes). Your take-home pay is significantly higher right off the bat.
• In Evanston: You lose $4,950 to the state. Your take-home is closer to $95,050.

Now, let’s factor in the cost of living. Even though Evanston salaries are higher, the lower cost of living in Houston—especially for housing—combined with no state income tax means your $100,000 in Houston will stretch much, much further than the same amount in Evanston. You can afford a bigger house, save more for retirement, or simply enjoy a higher quality of life.

The Dealbreaker Insight: If you earn $100k in Houston, you’re living like a queen. If you earn $100k in Evanston, you’re doing well, but you’re firmly middle-class. The "sticker shock" for housing in Evanston is real, and the state tax is a permanent line item on your paycheck.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston is a buyer's market with more inventory. The median home price of $335,000 gets you a lot of square footage, often with a yard and a two-car garage. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. You have negotiating power. Renting is also a solid, affordable option, especially if you want to explore different neighborhoods before committing.

Evanston is a seller's market, especially for desirable single-family homes near the lake or top-rated schools. The median price of $420,000 gets you a smaller, older home (often a classic Chicago bungalow or a historic house). Inventory is tight, and bidding wars are common, particularly for family homes. Renting is popular due to the university and Chicago commuters, but those prices are steep for the size you get.

Verdict: For buyers, Houston offers more bang for your buck and less competition. For renters, Houston is more affordable, but Evanston offers a unique, walkable community you can’t find in Houston.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston is infamous for its traffic. The city is car-dependent, and commutes can be long and stressful. The average commute is 28 minutes, but that can easily stretch to an hour or more. Public transit exists but is limited compared to other major cities.

Evanston wins this category hands-down. You can walk to the "L" train (the Purple or Red Line) and be in downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes. Many residents commute to Chicago for work without a car. Within Evanston itself, walking, biking, and a reliable bus system are the norm. The average commute is shorter and less stressful.

Weather

This is a massive personal preference.

• Houston: Think humid subtropical. Summers are long, hot, and oppressively humid (90°F+ from May to September). Winters are mild but can be damp and chilly. You get occasional hurricanes and flooding.
• Evanston: Think four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and beautiful by the lake. Fall is stunning. Winters are cold and snowy (average 20°F in January, with significant snowfall). You’ll need a heavy coat, snow boots, and a snow blower.

Verdict: If you hate winter, Houston is your winner. If you love cozy seasons and lake breezes, Evanston is for you.

Crime & Safety

There’s no sugarcoating this: Houston has a higher violent crime rate (912.4/100k) than Evanston (425.6/100k). Houston’s sheer size and socioeconomic disparities lead to higher crime statistics. However, safety is hyper-local. Many Houston neighborhoods (like The Woodlands, Sugar Land, or Upper Kirby) are very safe. You must research specific areas.

Evanston is statistically safer, a benefit of its smaller, more affluent, and well-educated population. It feels safe to walk around at night, and crime is generally lower.

Verdict: Evanston is the safer choice by the numbers. Houston requires more due diligence on neighborhood selection.

The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After breaking it all down, here’s the final showdown.

Category	Winner	Why
Cost of Living	Houston	No state income tax + lower home prices = superior purchasing power.
Housing Value	Houston	More house for your money, less competition.
Commute & Transit	Evanston	Walkability and easy access to Chicago is a huge win.
Safety	Evanston	Lower crime rates across the board.
Weather	Personal Choice	Houston for sun, Evanston for seasons.

Final City Rankings:

• Winner for Families: Evanston

  • Why: Top-tier public schools (a huge draw), safe environment, walkable parks, and a strong community feel. You’re trading square footage for an exceptional upbringing.

• Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston

  • Why: Lower cost of living means you can afford a great apartment, enjoy the world-class food and nightlife scene, and save money. The job market in energy, healthcare, and tech is robust.

• Winner for Retirees: Evanston

  • Why: Walkability, cultural amenities (theaters, museums), access to top-tier healthcare, and a slower pace of life. The four seasons are a perk for many retirees. (Houston’s humidity can be tough on older adults).

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Final Pros & Cons

Houston, TX

Pros:

• Massive economic opportunity in energy, healthcare, and tech.
• No state income tax – a direct boost to your wallet.
• Incredible, diverse food scene at every price point.
• More affordable housing and larger homes.
• Vibrant cultural diversity and international community.

Cons:

• Horrendous traffic and car dependency.
• Long, brutal summers with high humidity.
• Higher crime rates in many areas (requires research).
• Limited public transit and walkability.
• Risk of hurricanes and flooding.

Evanston, IL

Pros:

• Excellent public schools and family-friendly environment.
• Walkable, charming community with lakefront access.
• Easy commute to Chicago via public transit.
• Safer than most comparable cities.
• Four seasons and beautiful natural beauty.

Cons:

• Higher cost of living and home prices.
• Illinois state income tax (4.95%).
• Harsh winters with significant snow.
• Competitive housing market for buyers.
• Can feel "small" if you crave a major city vibe 24/7.

The bottom line? Choose Houston if your priority is maximizing your earnings and lifestyle on a budget, and you can handle the heat and traffic. Choose Evanston if your priority is safety, schools, and walkability, and you have the budget to support it. Your move isn’t just about a zip code; it’s about the daily life you want to build. Choose wisely.