Category / Metric	Farmington Hills	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$90,598	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	5%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$367,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$168	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,029	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	93.0	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	98.0	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	449.2	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	56.5%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	44

The Ultimate Showdown: Houston vs. Farmington Hills

Let's be real: choosing a city isn't just about spreadsheets. It's about the gut feeling you get when you walk down the street, the rhythm of your daily life, and whether you’d rather sweat through a summer or shovel your driveway in January. We’re pitting two titans of different worlds against each other: Houston, Texas, the sprawling, energy-driven behemoth, and Farmington Hills, Michigan, the polished, family-friendly suburb just outside Detroit.

Buckle up. We’re digging into the data, the vibes, and the real-deal dealbreakers to help you pick your next home.

The Vibe Check: Big City Swagger vs. Suburban Sanctuary

Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., and it feels like it. The vibe here is loud, proud, and relentlessly energetic. This is a city of transplants, a global hub for medicine, aerospace, and oil. Life moves fast, the food scene is legendary (you’ll gain 10 pounds in a week), and the cultural diversity is off the charts. You can catch a world-class opera on Friday and eat world-class tacos on a food truck Saturday. It’s for the go-getter who thrives on anonymity and endless options.

Farmington Hills is the antithesis. It’s a classic, upper-middle-class suburb that prioritizes community, safety, and quality schools. The pace is slower, the streets are greener, and life revolves around family, parks, and local events. It’s polished, established, and feels like the American Dream in a gated community—though not all are gated. This is for those who want a quiet base, excellent public services, and a strong sense of place, all while being a quick drive from the cultural and sports action of Detroit.

Who is it for?

Houston: The career-driven, the foodie, the adventurer, the extrovert who wants a city that never sleeps.
Farmington Hills: The family-centric, the safety-conscious, the homebody who values top-tier schools and a predictable, comfortable lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Go Farther?

This is where the math gets fascinating. On the surface, Farmington Hills boasts a median income ($90,598) that’s nearly 50% higher than Houston’s ($62,637). But cost of living flips the script. Let’s break it down.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Houston	Farmington Hills	The Winner
Median Home Price	$335,000	$367,000	Houston (by a hair)
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,029	Farmington Hills
Housing Index	106.5 (Above Avg)	93.0 (Below Avg)	Farmington Hills
Median Income	$62,637	$90,598	Farmington Hills

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s play a game. If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your purchasing power is significantly higher than the same salary in Farmington Hills. Why? Texas has 0% state income tax. Michigan has a flat rate of 4.25%. That’s an immediate $4,250 advantage for Houstonians. Add in the slightly lower median home price and the fact that utilities (especially cooling) are a major expense in both, but groceries are comparable, and Houston starts to look like a financial powerhouse.

Farmington Hills fights back with lower rent and a lower Housing Index, meaning the day-to-day overhead can feel lighter, especially if you choose to rent. But for buyers, the gap in home prices is negligible when you factor in that Texas property taxes are notoriously high (often 2-3% of home value). Michigan’s property taxes are more moderate.

Insight: It’s a toss-up. Houston wins on pure salary leverage and tax breaks if you’re a homeowner or high earner. Farmington Hills offers a more balanced, less volatile cost structure for renters and mid-range earners. The real "sticker shock" in Houston might come from the sheer size of the city—commuting costs can add up.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston:

Buying: It’s a seller’s market, but with more inventory than many metros. You get a lot of house for your money—sprawling single-family homes with big yards are the norm. However, you’re competing with a massive population. Be prepared for bidding wars on the best properties in the best school districts.
Renting: The rental market is vast and varied. From luxury high-rises in Midtown to affordable apartments in the suburbs, options are plentiful. Vacancy rates hover around a healthy 5-6%, giving renters some leverage.

Farmington Hills:

Buying: This is a tight buyer’s market. Inventory is low, and desirable homes move fast. You’re paying a premium for the zip code, the schools, and the safety. The median home price is $367,000, but you’ll likely face competition and may need to stretch your budget for a turnkey property.
Renting: The rental pool is smaller and more competitive. Many renters are families waiting to buy or professionals who prefer the suburban lifestyle without the mortgage. Expect to pay a premium for quality, but the $1,029 average 1BR rent is a relative bargain compared to other major suburbs.

Verdict: Houston gives you more space and options for your money, but the market is vast and can be impersonal. Farmington Hills offers prestige and stability but at a higher entry point with fierce competition.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic/Commute

Houston: Legendary. The city is designed for cars, and public transit (Metro) is limited. The average commute is 28 minutes, but that can easily balloon to 45-60 minutes on the 610 Loop or I-45. Traffic is a daily grind that defines life. If you hate driving, Houston will test your soul.
Farmington Hills: Manageable. As a suburb, you’re reliant on a car, but distances are shorter. The average commute to downtown Detroit is 25-30 minutes. Traffic is predictable and lighter than in Houston. The I-275 and M-14 corridors can get busy, but it’s a different beast entirely.

Weather

Houston: Brutal humidity. The average temperature is 59°F, but that’s a lie. Summers are 90°F+ with 90% humidity, feeling like a sauna. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing), but hurricane season is a real threat. You trade snow for storms and swampy heat.
Farmington Hills: The four-season reality. Winters are cold and snowy (average low of 25°F), requiring snow tires and a shovel. Summers are gorgeous and warm. If you love crisp autumns and snowy holidays, this is your paradise. If you hate being cold for 4-5 months, it’s a hard pass.

Crime/Safety

Houston: The numbers are stark. Violent crime is 912.4 per 100k residents. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies wildly by neighborhood—some areas are incredibly secure, while others face challenges. It’s a city of stark contrasts.
Farmington Hills: One of the safest cities in Michigan. Violent crime is 449.2 per 100k—less than half of Houston’s rate. It’s consistently ranked as a top suburb for safety and quality of life. You can leave your garage door open without a second thought.

The Honest Take: If safety is your #1 priority, Farmington Hills is the clear winner. If you can navigate Houston’s complex neighborhood landscape, you can find safe pockets, but the city-wide stats are concerning.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?

After crunching the numbers and living the hypotheticals, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families

🏆 Farmington Hills
For the classic American family, it’s hard to beat. The combination of top-tier public schools, low crime, strong community institutions, and manageable commutes creates an environment where raising kids feels secure and supported. The higher median income and stable housing market offer financial peace of mind. It’s a no-brainer for parents prioritizing education and safety.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals

🏆 Houston
If you’re under 35, career-focused, and crave energy, Houston is your playground. The 0% state income tax boosts your take-home pay, the social scene is infinite, and the job market is robust. You can find an affordable apartment, explore a global food scene, and build a network faster in a city of 2.3 million. The trade-off is traffic and higher crime, but for the young and ambitious, the opportunities outweigh the risks.

Winner for Retirees

🏆 It’s a Tie (With a Caveat)
This is the toughest call. Farmington Hills offers safety, walkable neighborhoods, and access to top-notch healthcare (Michigan has excellent medical centers). The cost of living is predictable, and the winters, while cold, are manageable if you’re prepared. However, Houston has a massive advantage: mild winters. For retirees with health issues exacerbated by cold, Houston’s climate is a major draw. The lack of state income tax is also a huge financial benefit on a fixed income. The decision hinges on one thing: Can you tolerate Houston’s summer heat and humidity? If yes, Houston wins on climate and finances. If not, Farmington Hills is your safe bet.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Houston, Texas

✅ PROS:

0% State Income Tax – More money in your pocket.
Endless Job Opportunities – Diverse, robust economy.
World-Class Food & Culture – Unbeatable dining and arts.
Affordable Housing (for a major metro) – Get more space for your money.
Mild Winters – No snow shoveling.

❌ CONS:

Brutal Humidity & Heat – Summers are oppressive.
High Crime Rates – Significant safety concerns city-wide.
Traffic is a Nightmare – Long commutes are the norm.
Car-Dependent – Public transit is limited.
Hurricane Risk – Annual threat from storms.

Farmington Hills, Michigan