đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Great Falls and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Great Falls vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Great Falls | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $63,934 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $299,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $163 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $745 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 100.0 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.3 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 469.8 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Great Falls: The Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown
Hey there, future mover. You’re standing at a crossroads, and the path splits toward two wildly different Americas. On one side, you’ve got Houston, Texas—a sprawling, humid, energy-packed giant where the skyline disappears into the hazy horizon. On the other, Great Falls, Montana—a crisp, mountain-flanked city where the sky feels bigger and the pace slows to a steady, reliable rhythm.
This isn’t just about geography; it’s a choice between two lifestyles so different they might as well be on different planets. One is a global crossroads, the other a mountain sanctuary. To help you decide, we’re going to crunch the numbers, weigh the intangibles, and lay it all out. Grab a coffee (or a sweet tea, depending on your future address), and let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: City Pulse vs. Mountain Air
Let’s get one thing straight: Houston is a beast. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a place where you can find almost any cuisine, culture, or career path you can imagine. The vibe is fast, diverse, and relentless. It’s a city of transplants, a concrete jungle where the energy is palpable, but so is the traffic. You’re trading wide-open spaces for endless opportunity and a truly global feel. It’s for the hustler, the foodie, the networker, and anyone who thrives in the constant buzz of a major metropolis.
Great Falls, meanwhile, is the definition of a high-desert, mountain town. It’s a community of about 60,000 people, where you know your neighbors and the mountains aren’t just a backdrop—they’re your backyard. The vibe is laid-back, outdoorsy, and deeply connected to nature. You trade the endless options of a big city for a slower pace, stunning natural beauty, and a sense of peace you can’t quantify. It’s for the outdoor enthusiast, the person craving community, and anyone who wants to feel like they’re truly living with the landscape, not just on top of it.
Who is each city for?
- Houston is for the ambitious professional, the family seeking world-class schools and museums, the food lover, and the person who wants every possible option at their fingertips.
- Great Falls is for the retiree, the remote worker, the outdoor adventurer, the family wanting a simpler, nature-focused upbringing, and the person seeking a strong sense of local community.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power. On the surface, the median incomes look almost identical—$62,637 in Houston vs. $63,934 in Great Falls. But the cost of living tells a different story.
Here’s the breakdown of the essentials:
| Category | Houston | Great Falls | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $299,000 | Great Falls |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $745 | Great Falls |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 100.0 | Great Falls |
| Utilities | High (AC is a must) | Moderate (Heating is key) | Great Falls |
| Groceries | Slightly above avg. | Slightly above avg. | Tie |
Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 in Great Falls, your purchasing power is significantly higher. Your $745 rent is a dream compared to Houston’s $1,135. That’s a $390/month difference—nearly $4,700 a year back in your pocket. That’s a vacation, a new car payment, or a hefty chunk of savings.
In Houston, that same $100k feels tighter. While you have more job opportunities and potentially higher earning ceilings, the cost of living eats into it faster. The $1,135 rent is just the start; you’ll also pay more for parking, gas (for a longer commute), and entertainment.
The Tax Twist:
Here’s the biggest financial edge for Houston: Texas has 0% state income tax. Montana has a progressive income tax ranging from 1% to 6.75%. On a $100,000 salary, that could mean $6,000+ in extra taxes in Montana. This is a massive, often overlooked, factor. It can close the gap in purchasing power, making Houston more financially competitive than the raw cost-of-living numbers suggest.
Verdict on Dollar Power: For pure cost-of-living, Great Falls wins. But if you’re a high earner (think $150k+), Houston’s lack of state income tax and higher salary potential can make it a financial powerhouse. For the median earner, Great Falls offers a much easier financial lift.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Fold?
Houston: The Three-Bedroom Bungalow vs. The Market Frenzy
Houston’s market is hot, competitive, and sprawling. With a median home price of $335,000, you can still find a decent single-family home in the suburbs, but you’ll be competing. The city is a seller’s market in many desirable areas. You’ll need to move fast, often with cash offers or strong financing. Rent is high, but the inventory of apartments is massive. The trade-off? You get more square footage for your money than in cities like NYC or SF, but you’ll likely have a longer, more stressful commute.
Great Falls: The Starter Home vs. Limited Inventory
Great Falls is a stable, buyer-friendly market. With a median home price of $299,000, it’s more accessible. However, inventory is limited. You won’t have hundreds of options to choose from. The process is generally calmer, with fewer bidding wars. Rent is a fantastic bargain, making it an ideal place to rent while you scout for a home. The Housing Index shows Great Falls is right at the national average, while Houston is 6.5% above, confirming the slight premium.
Verdict: If you want a wide selection and are ready to compete, Houston’s your market. If you prefer a less frantic, more straightforward buying process with a lower entry price, Great Falls is the smarter play.
The Dealbreakers: Weather, Traffic, and Safety
This is where the cities truly diverge. These factors are often the ultimate dealbreakers.
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous. The Katy Freeway is one of the widest in the world, yet it’s perpetually packed. Commutes of 45-90 minutes are common if you work downtown and live in the suburbs. Public transit exists but is limited; you’ll likely need a car.
- Great Falls: A non-issue. The city is compact. You can get across town in 15 minutes. There’s virtually no traffic. This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade for many.
Weather: Humidity vs. Seasons
- Houston: Hot and humid. The average temperature is 59°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are brutal, with highs regularly in the mid-90s and oppressive humidity. You’ll live in air conditioning. Hurricane season is a real threat, and flooding is a concern.
- Great Falls: Dry and seasonal. Also averages 61°F, but this means four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (expect 50+ inches of snow), but it’s a dry cold. Summers are mild and gorgeous. The air is clean, and the sunshine is abundant.
Crime & Safety
Let’s be direct. Safety is a top priority.
- Houston: The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average (approx. 380). Like any major metro, crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, but it’s a city-wide concern you must research carefully.
- Great Falls: The violent crime rate is 469.8 per 100,000 residents. While still above the national average, it’s nearly half of Houston’s rate. It’s a safer community by the numbers, though not crime-free.
Verdict on Dealbreakers:
- Traffic: Great Falls wins, no contest.
- Weather: This is personal. If you hate snow, Houston. If you hate humidity and hurricanes, Great Falls.
- Safety: Great Falls has a clear statistical advantage.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?
After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the intangibles, here’s the final breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: GREAT FALLS
- Why: The combination of lower crime, excellent outdoor access (hiking, fishing, skiing), a strong sense of community, and less traffic creates a safer, more grounded environment for raising kids. The lower cost of living means one parent might afford to stay home. The schools are solid, and the pace of life is family-friendly.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: HOUSTON
- Why: The career opportunities are unmatched. The dating scene is massive and diverse. The food, nightlife, and cultural scene are endless. You can build a powerful network, jump between industries, and never run out of things to do. The 0% state income tax on a rising salary is a huge financial boost.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: GREAT FALLS
- Why: The slower pace, stunning natural beauty, and lower cost of living are tailor-made for retirement. Social Security is taxed in Texas (yes, really), but Montana has exemptions for seniors. The community is tight-knit, and the outdoor activities are low-cost and abundant. You trade the hustle for peace and scenery.
Houston: The Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Zero State Income Tax: A major financial advantage for high earners.
- World-Class Opportunities: Unmatched job market, especially in energy, healthcare, and tech.
- Unrivaled Diversity & Food: A true global city with every cuisine imaginable.
- Cultural Hub: From NASA to museums and theaters, there’s endless stimulation.
- Major Airport: Easy global travel.
CONS:
- Brutal Weather: Oppressive humidity, hurricane risk, and flooding.
- Heavy Traffic & Sprawl: Long commutes are the norm.
- Higher Cost of Living: Especially for housing and utilities.
- Safety Concerns: Higher crime rates require careful neighborhood selection.
- Concrete Jungle: Access to nature requires a significant drive.
Great Falls: The Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Affordable Living: Lower home prices, rent, and overall cost.
- Outdoor Paradise: Immediate access to hiking, fishing, hunting, and skiing.
- Small-Town Community: Strong sense of belonging and neighborly connection.
- Low Traffic & Stress: Easy commutes and a relaxed pace of life.
- Clean Air & Big Sky: Unbeatable natural beauty and quality of air.
CONS:
- Limited Job Market: Fewer opportunities; remote work or local industries (healthcare, military) are key.
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy winters require preparation and the right gear.
- Isolation: Far from major metropolitan areas and an international airport.
- Less Diversity: Fewer cultural options and a less varied food scene.
- Higher Taxes: State income tax on top of a higher sales tax.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Houston if you’re chasing opportunity, culture, and a fast-paced life where you can build a career and experience a world-class city on a (comparatively) reasonable budget.
Choose Great Falls if you’re chasing peace, community, and nature, where your dollar goes further, your commute is non-existent, and the mountains are your horizon.
Either way, you’re trading one set of advantages for another. The question is, which life do you want to build?