📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Green Bay and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Green Bay vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Green Bay | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $66,950 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $270,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $170 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $841 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 73.9 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 93.1 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 345.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.7% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs Green Bay: The Ultimate Showdown for Your Next Move
So, you're standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the sprawling, sun-soaked metropolis of Houston, Texas. The other takes you to the tight-knit, frozen tundra of Green Bay, Wisconsin. It's a classic big city vs. small town clash, but the choice is far more nuanced than just size. Are you chasing career opportunities and cultural diversity, or are you seeking community, safety, and a four-season lifestyle?
Let's cut through the noise. I'm here to give you the straight talk, backed by the numbers, to help you decide where to plant your roots. This isn't just about spreadsheets; it's about the life you want to live.
The Vibe Check: Mega-Metro vs. Hometown Hero
Houston is a beast. It's the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a sprawling, energy-driven powerhouse where the skyline pierces the humid air and diversity isn't just a buzzword—it's the fabric of the city. You'll hear a dozen languages on a single Metro bus. The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and unapologetically big. It’s for the hustler, the foodie, the professional who wants to climb the corporate ladder and have endless options for nightlife, museums, and professional sports. If you crave anonymity and endless discovery, Houston delivers.
Green Bay is the definition of a "big small town." With a population just over 105,000, it’s defined by the Green Bay Packers. The "Titletown" identity is real—it's a point of pride that binds the community. Life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. It's about Friday night fish fries, community festivals, and knowing your neighbors. It’s for the family-oriented, the outdoors enthusiast who loves the changing seasons, and anyone who wants a manageable, tight-knit community feel. If you want to be a face in the crowd, Green Bay isn't your spot.
Who is it for?
- Houston: The ambitious, the culturally curious, the food-obsessed, and those who need big-city amenities.
- Green Bay: The family-focused, the budget-conscious, the NFL die-hard, and those who prefer a four-season climate over year-round heat.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the math gets interesting. You might earn more in Green Bay, but your money might go further in Houston. Let's break it down.
First, the raw numbers. The median income in Green Bay is slightly higher at $66,950 compared to Houston's $62,637. So, on paper, Green Bay workers earn more. But the cost of living tells a different story. Let's look at the essentials.
| Category | Houston, TX | Green Bay, WI | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $270,000 | Green Bay wins. It's significantly cheaper to buy. |
| Rent (1-BR) | $1,135 | $841 | Green Bay wins. A solid $294/month savings on rent. |
| Housing Index | 106.5 (Above Avg) | 73.9 (Below Avg) | Green Bay is a clear winner for affordability. |
| State Income Tax | 0% (Texas) | Up to 7.65% (WI) | Huge win for Houston. No state income tax is a massive boost. |
The Purchasing Power Puzzle:
Let's say you earn $100,000 in both cities. In Houston, with no state income tax, you take home more of your paycheck. In Green Bay, you'd lose up to $7,650 to state taxes right off the top. Now, factor in housing. In Houston, your $335,000 home is more expensive, but your higher take-home pay helps offset it. In Green Bay, your $270,000 home is cheaper, but your lower take-home pay from taxes is a constant drag.
The Verdict: For pure, raw purchasing power, Houston often wins. The lack of state income tax is a game-changer, especially for mid-to-high earners. You can afford more house and more lifestyle for the same gross salary. Green Bay's lower prices are attractive, but the tax bite and lower median income cap your potential buying power.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston: The market is competitive but vast. With a Housing Index of 106.5, it's above the national average, but you get a lot of variety. You can find a modern townhome in a trendy area or a sprawling suburban home with a yard. It's a seller's market in desirable neighborhoods, but the sheer inventory gives you options. Renting is a popular choice, but with rent prices climbing, buying becomes attractive for long-term stability. The key is location—commutes can be brutal in a city that's 667 square miles.
Green Bay: This is a buyer's market. With a Housing Index of 73.9, it's one of the most affordable markets in the country. For the price of a starter home in Houston, you could get a spacious house in Green Bay, often with more land. The competition is lower, and you have more negotiating power. Renting is also a steal, making it a great option for young professionals or families not ready to buy. The trade-off? Less variety and a much smaller inventory of homes.
Verdict: Green Bay is the clear winner for affordability and buyer leverage. Houston offers more variety and potential appreciation but at a higher entry cost.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Houston: This is Houston's biggest Achilles' heel. The city is infamous for its traffic. The average commute is 29.5 minutes, but that can easily stretch to an hour or more during peak times. Public transit exists but isn't robust—you'll likely need a car. The sprawl means you can live far from work to save on housing, but you'll pay with your time.
Green Bay: Traffic is a non-issue. The average commute is a breezy 18.5 minutes. You can get across town in 20 minutes, even in rush hour. Walking or biking to work is a realistic possibility in many neighborhoods. The stress of a long commute is virtually nonexistent.
Weather
Houston: Be prepared for the heat and humidity. The average temperature is 59°F, but that's misleading. Summers are brutal, with highs routinely in the 90s and stifling humidity. Winters are mild (lows in the 40s), but the real threats are hurricanes and flooding. You need a strong A/C and a good flood insurance policy.
Green Bay: Welcome to all four seasons. The average temperature is a chilly 18°F, but that's just winter. You get beautiful falls, pleasant springs, and warm summers (highs in the 80s). The trade-off is heavy snowfall and long, cold winters. If you hate shoveling snow and driving on ice, this is a dealbreaker.
Crime & Safety
Houston: This is a serious consideration. The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average. While this is often concentrated in specific areas, it means you need to be diligent about researching neighborhoods. Safety varies drastically from one zip code to another.
Green Bay: Much safer. The violent crime rate is 345.0 per 100,000, which is below the national average. It's a community where people often feel comfortable leaving doors unlocked and kids playing outside. The sense of security is a major draw for families.
The Final Verdict
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final showdown.
- Winner for Families: Green Bay. The combination of lower crime, excellent schools, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community is a powerful trifecta. The slower pace and safe neighborhoods are ideal for raising kids.
- Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston. The sheer scale of opportunities, from energy and healthcare to tech and finance, is unmatched. The cultural diversity, endless food scene, and nightlife provide a dynamic environment for networking and socializing. The no-income-tax boost is a major advantage for building wealth early in your career.
- Winner for Retirees: Green Bay. For retirees on a fixed income, the affordability is key. The lower cost of living, especially housing, means retirement savings stretch further. The safe, walkable community and four-season climate (if you enjoy winter) are perfect for a relaxed, engaged retirement.
Houston: The Final Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No state income tax – a massive financial advantage.
- Incredible job market – especially in energy, healthcare, and tech.
- World-class dining and culture – from BBQ to Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Diverse, international population – endless cultural experiences.
- Major league sports – Astros, Rockets, Texans, Dynamo.
- Largest medical complex in the world – top-tier healthcare.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate – requires careful neighborhood selection.
- Brutal summer heat and humidity – can be oppressive for 5-6 months.
- Notorious traffic and sprawl – long commutes are the norm.
- Poor public transportation – almost everyone needs a car.
- Risk of hurricanes and flooding – a serious natural disaster threat.
Green Bay: The Final Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable cost of living – especially housing.
- Low crime rate – a safe, family-friendly environment.
- Short, stress-free commutes – you'll get hours of your day back.
- Strong sense of community – tight-knit, friendly, and welcoming.
- Four distinct seasons – beautiful falls, pleasant summers, vibrant springs.
- Lambeau Field – if you're a Packers fan, this is paradise.
Cons:
- Harsh, long winters – heavy snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures for months.
- Limited job diversity – economy is heavily tied to healthcare, manufacturing, and the Packers.
- Smaller, less diverse population – fewer cultural amenities and dining options.
- The "small town" feel – can feel insular if you're not from the area.
- Slower pace of life – not ideal for those seeking constant action and anonymity.
The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if you're chasing career growth, cultural diversity, and don't mind the heat and traffic. Choose Green Bay if you prioritize safety, community, affordability, and a four-season lifestyle over big-city amenities. Your decision ultimately hinges on one question: Do you want to be a face in the crowd or a part of the community?