Glen Burnie CDP vs Houston

Category / Metric	Glen Burnie CDP	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$77,549	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$331,600	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,489	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	116.9	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	102.2	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	454.1	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	24.4%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	44

Houston vs. Glen Burnie CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston, Texas—a sprawling, sun-baked metropolis that’s bigger than some states. On the other, you have Glen Burnie, Maryland—a modest Census-Designated Place (CDP) tucked away in Anne Arundel County, a stone's throw from the Chesapeake Bay.

It’s a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, but the stakes are your life, your wallet, and your future. Are you chasing big-city energy and affordability, or are you looking for a quieter, safer base with access to the East Coast corridor?

Let’s break it down.

The Vibe Check: Big Sky vs. Bay Breeze

Houston is a beast. With a population of 2.3 million, it’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. The vibe is unabashedly Texan: fast-paced, diverse, and driven by the energy industry. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, from the trendy bars of Montrose to the sprawling suburbs of The Woodlands. Life here is car-centric, sprawl-heavy, and fueled by a can-do attitude. It’s for the hustler, the foodie (the cuisine is legendary), and the family looking for space without breaking the bank.

Glen Burnie, on the other hand, is a town of 79,598. It’s not a destination; it’s a home base. It’s where you live if you work in nearby Baltimore or Annapolis but want a more suburban, family-friendly environment. It’s quiet, established, and deeply connected to the Chesapeake Bay waterways. Life here is defined by commutes to bigger cities, weekend trips to the beach, and a tight-knit community feel. It’s for the East Coast professional who values safety and proximity to major hubs over nightlife.

Who’s it for?

• Houston: The urban adventurer, the budget-conscious big-city lover, the family seeking a multicultural melting pot.
• Glen Burnie: The commuter who craves a peaceful retreat, the safety-conscious parent, the East Coast native.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Farther?

This is where the math gets interesting. Both cities have median home prices that are surprisingly close, but the devil is in the details—especially when you factor in taxes and overall cost of living.

First, the Texas Advantage. If you’re earning in Texas, your paycheck is automatically beefier because there is 0% state income tax. In Maryland, the state income tax ranges from 2% to 5.75% depending on your bracket. On a $100,000 salary, that’s a difference of roughly $3,000 to $5,750 staying in your pocket in Houston versus going to the state in Maryland. That’s a massive deal.

Let’s look at the monthly essentials.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Expense Category	Houston	Glen Burnie CDP	Winner
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,135	$1,489	Houston
Utilities (Avg.)	~$165	~$175	Tie
Groceries	8.5% below U.S. avg.	2.3% below U.S. avg.	Houston
Housing Index	106.5	116.9	Houston
Transportation	High (Car Mandatory)	Moderate (Car + Commute)	Tie
State Income Tax	0%	2% - 5.75%	Houston

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Verdict

If you earn $100,000 in Glen Burnie, your take-home after state taxes is roughly $94,500 (approx.). In Houston, you keep the full $100,000. That’s an immediate ~5.5% boost in purchasing power right off the bat.

Now, combine that with lower rent. In Houston, a 1-bedroom apartment is $354 cheaper per month than in Glen Burnie. That’s $4,248 saved annually on rent alone. Add in the state tax savings, and you’re looking at a significant financial edge.

Insight: While the median home prices are neck-and-neck ($335k vs. $331.6k), the overall cost of living in Houston is lower. You get more square footage for your money, and your salary goes further. Glen Burnie’s higher rent and state taxes put a dent in that paycheck.

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The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?

Buying a Home:

• Houston: The market is hot, but it’s a massive, diverse beast. For $335,000, you can find a decent 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a suburb like Pasadena or a starter home inside the loop with some elbow grease. Inventory is higher due to the city's size, but desirable neighborhoods move fast. It’s a competitive seller’s market, but with more options.
• Glen Burnie: The median price is slightly lower, but the market is tighter. You’re paying a premium for location in the Northeast corridor. For $331,600, you’re likely looking at a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath rancher or a townhome. Inventory is limited, and the competition is fierce among commuters. It’s a classic suburban seller’s market.

Renting:

• Houston: A clear winner. With a median rent of $1,135, it’s one of the most affordable major metros in the country. You can find modern apartments in great areas for well under $1,500.
• Glen Burnie: More expensive at $1,489. You’re paying for the location and the lower crime rates. It’s not exorbitant, but it’s a step above Houston.

The Bottom Line: Houston offers more bang for your buck, whether you rent or buy. Glen Burnie’s housing market is pricier, reflecting its location and safety profile.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston is notorious for its sprawl. The average commute is 28 minutes, but that can easily stretch to an hour in traffic. You need a car. There’s no getting around it. The city is designed for vehicles, and public transit is limited.

Glen Burnie is a commuter’s town. Your commute will be defined by where you work. If you work in Baltimore or Annapolis, you’re looking at a 30-45 minute drive, often on I-97 or I-695. It’s a predictable, often congested commute. Like Houston, a car is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Verdict: Both are car-dependent. Houston’s commute is longer and more unpredictable due to sheer size. Glen Burnie’s commute is more predictable but often involves heavy interstate traffic.

Weather

Houston is… warm. The average temperature is 59°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are brutal, with highs routinely in the 90s and suffocating humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. You trade snow for sweat.

Glen Burnie has four true seasons. The average temperature is a cooler 52°F. You get crisp falls, snowy winters (though less than inland), warm summers, and beautiful springs. Humidity exists, but it’s nothing compared to a Houston summer.

Verdict: If you hate the cold, Houston wins. If you enjoy seasonal variety, Glen Burnie is your pick. The weather is a major lifestyle factor.

Crime & Safety

This is the most significant differentiator.

• Houston Violent Crime Rate: 912.4 per 100,000.
• Glen Burnie Violent Crime Rate: 454.1 per 100,000.

Houston’s crime rate is nearly double that of Glen Burnie’s. While Houston is a massive city with many safe, family-oriented neighborhoods, the city-wide average is skewed by high-crime areas. You must be diligent about choosing your neighborhood.

Glen Burnie is significantly safer. With a crime rate closer to the national average (which is ~399 per 100k), it offers a much higher sense of security. For families, this is a huge selling point.

Verdict: Glen Burnie is the undisputed winner for safety. No contest.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the clear breakdown.

Winner for Families: Houston

While Glen Burnie is safer, Houston’s combination of zero state income tax, significantly lower cost of living, and the sheer volume of public schools, parks, and family-oriented neighborhoods makes it the financial and logistical winner. You can afford a larger home, better schools (in the right districts), and have more money left over for family activities. The trade-off is higher crime, but with careful neighborhood selection, you can mitigate it.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston

The value proposition is unbeatable. A young pro earning $70k can live comfortably in a trendy neighborhood, enjoy a world-class food scene, and still save money. The nightlife is vibrant, the economy is diverse, and the social opportunities are endless. Glen Burnie is too quiet and suburban for most young professionals.

Winner for Retirees: Glen Burnie

For retirees, safety and access to healthcare are paramount. Glen Burnie’s lower crime rate and proximity to top-tier medical facilities in Baltimore and Annapolis are huge advantages. The seasonal weather is also a plus for those who want to avoid extreme heat. Houston’s safety concerns and brutal summers can be a dealbreaker for an older population on a fixed income (though Texas's lack of state income tax is attractive).

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Houston, Texas

Pros:

• ✅ 0% State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
• ✅ Affordable Housing & Rent: One of the best values in a major U.S. city.
• ✅ World-Class Food & Culture: Unbeatable diversity and culinary scene.
• ✅ Strong Job Market: Diverse economy beyond just oil & gas.

Cons:

• ❌ High Crime Rate: Nearly double the rate of Glen Burnie.
• ❌ Brutal Summers: Oppressive heat and humidity for 4-5 months.
• ❌ Car-Dependent Sprawl: Long, unpredictable commutes.
• ❌ Lack of Seasons: If you love fall foliage, you won't find it here.

Glen Burnie, Maryland

Pros:

• ✅ Significantly Safer: Violent crime rate is half of Houston’s.
• ✅ Four Distinct Seasons: Enjoyable weather year-round.
• ✅ East Coast Access: Close to Baltimore, DC, Annapolis, and beaches.
• ✅ Established Community: Family-friendly, suburban feel.

Cons:

• ❌ State Income Tax: A significant hit to your purchasing power.
• ❌ Higher Cost of Living: More expensive rent and overall expenses.
• ❌ Car-Dependent & Commuter Town: Your life revolves around your commute.
• ❌ Less Urban Excitement: Quieter nightlife and fewer big-city amenities.

The Bottom Line

Choose Houston if your priority is financial freedom, big-city amenities, and affordability. You’re willing to trade some safety and weather for a lower cost of living and zero state tax.

Choose Glen Burnie if your priority is safety, a peaceful suburban life, and East Coast access. You’re willing to pay a premium in state taxes and rent for a quieter, more secure environment with four true seasons.

The data doesn’t lie: Houston wins on cost. Glen Burnie wins on safety. Your personal priorities will decide the champion.