📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Hammond and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Hammond vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Hammond | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $51,773 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $194,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $120 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $974 | $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) | 382.1 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 15.2% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 32 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're torn between the sprawling, oil-fueled giant of Houston and the quiet, pocket-sized Hammond. This isn't just a choice of geography; it's a choice of lifestyle, budget, and future. As your relocation expert, I'm going to lay out the cold, hard data with some real-world context. Buckle up.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Small-Town Soul
Houston is a beast of a city. It's America's fourth-largest, a concrete jungle where the energy industry hums 24/7, the arts scene is surprisingly world-class, and you can get world-class tacos at 2 a.m. It’s diverse, relentless, and offers a "big city" experience without the astronomical price tags of NYC or San Francisco. Think of it as the friend who’s always up for something, but the traffic to get there might make you late.
Hammond, on the other hand, is the definition of a "town." With a population of just 76,181, it’s more than 30 times smaller than Houston. This is your classic Midwestern hub—a place where people know their neighbors, the pace is slower, and the focus is on community. It’s the kind of place where "rush hour" is a relative term. If Houston is a sprint, Hammond is a leisurely stroll.
Who is each city for?
- Houston is for the ambitious, the career-driven, the foodies, and anyone who craves variety and anonymity. It’s ideal for young professionals, families seeking top-tier schools and diverse extracurriculars, and retirees who want access to world-class healthcare without being stuck in a cultural desert.
- Hammond is for those seeking affordability, a tight-knit community, and a slower pace of life. It’s perfect for first-time homebuyers priced out of bigger markets, families who prioritize safety and a small-school environment, and retirees looking to stretch a fixed income.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Farther?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. The median income in Houston ($62,637) is higher than Hammond's ($51,773), but that's only half the story. The real question is: what can that money buy you?
Here’s the breakdown of your monthly expenses.
| Expense Category | Houston | Hammond | Winner & Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $194,000 | Hammond. Hammond is nearly 42% cheaper. The "sticker shock" in Houston is real, but so is your earning potential. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $974 | Hammond. You save about $161/month on rent alone. Over a year, that's nearly $2,000 back in your pocket. |
| Utilities | $$ (High A/C) | $ (High Heating) | Tie. Houston summers will spike your electric bill. Hammond winters will hammer your gas bill. It's a wash. |
| Groceries | $$ (Vast selection) | $ (Standard) | Hammond. Lower overall costs, but Houston's sheer size gives you access to global markets at competitive prices. |
The Tax Angle: Texas vs. Indiana
This is a massive, often overlooked factor. Texas has NO state income tax. Indiana has a flat 3.23% state income tax. On a $100,000 salary, you'd keep an extra $3,230 per year in Houston. That’s a significant boost to your purchasing power that the raw income numbers don't capture.
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's run the numbers. If you earn $100,000 in Houston (after 0% state tax) and $100,000 in Hammond (after 3.23% state tax), your take-home in Houston is instantly higher. Now, factor in the cheaper housing. In Hammond, that $194,000 home is a steal. In Houston, a $335,000 home is above the median. Your money buys more home in Hammond, but you might be able to afford a nicer area in Houston due to your higher gross income potential.
Verdict on Purchasing Power: For pure, unadulterated "bang for your buck," Hammond wins. You'll own a home for significantly less. However, if you can land a job that pays 20-30% more in Houston (which is common for specialized fields), the math flips, and Houston becomes the smarter financial move.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston:
- Buyer's Market? No. It's a Seller's Market. Inventory is tight, and competition is fierce. You'll need to be pre-approved and ready to move fast.
- Rent vs. Buy: Renting is a viable, flexible option, but with rent prices over $1,100, a mortgage on a $335,000 home (with a 20% down payment) is roughly $1,700-$1,800/month (PITI). Renting is cheaper monthly, but you're not building equity.
- Availability: You can find a home, but you'll likely be in the suburbs (The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land). The core city is expensive and competitive.
Hammond:
- Buyer's Market? Yes, leaning. Inventory is low, but demand isn't as frenzied as in major metros. You have more breathing room.
- Rent vs. Buy: This is Hammond's superpower. A $194,000 home with 20% down has a mortgage of about $1,000/month (PITI), which is often less than rent. The math here screams "BUY."
- Availability: You'll find single-family homes, often with yards, for under $200k. It's a first-time homebuyer's dream market.
Housing Verdict: Hammond is the clear winner for aspiring homeowners. The barrier to entry is drastically lower. Houston is for those who can afford the premium and are willing to play the competitive game.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous. The average commute is 29 minutes, but that's misleading. On a bad day, a 10-mile trip can take an hour. You will spend time in your car. It's a car-dependent city.
- Hammond: Minimal. Commutes are typically under 20 minutes. Traffic jams are a rare anomaly. The quality-of-life gain from less time spent commuting is immense.
Weather
- Houston: Brutal. The data says 59°F annual average, but that's a lie. It's 90°F+ with suffocating humidity for 5-6 months. Winters are mild, but this is a city where you plan your day around the heat.
- Hammond: Seasonal. The data says 25°F average, which tells the real story. You get four distinct seasons: beautiful autumns, snowy winters (think 10-15 snow days), mild springs, and warm summers. If you hate snow, this is a dealbreaker. If you hate humidity, Hammond wins.
Crime & Safety
This is the most critical differentiator. Let's be honest with the data.
- Houston: 912.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This is 2.4x the national average. While specific neighborhoods vary wildly (from very safe to very dangerous), the city-wide statistic is a major concern.
- Hammond: 382.1 violent crimes per 100,000 people. This is roughly at the national average. Statistically, you are significantly safer in Hammond. For families, this is a massive point in Hammond's favor.
Dealbreakers Verdict: Hammond wins decisively on commute and safety. Houston wins if you can't stand snow and require a major metro's amenities. Weather is a pure personal preference.
The Final Verdict: Where Should You Move?
This isn't about one city being "better"—it's about which city is better for you.
- Winner for Families: Hammond. The combination of safer streets, shorter commutes, better housing affordability, and a strong sense of community is hard to beat for raising kids. The schools are smaller and more personal.
- Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston. The career opportunities, endless nightlife, food scene, and diversity are unmatched. You'll trade affordability and safety for energy and potential.
- Winner for Retirees: It's a Tie, but for different reasons.
- Hammond: For budget-conscious retirees on a fixed income. The low cost of living and safe, quiet environment is ideal.
- Houston: For active retirees who want access to top-tier medical care (Texas Medical Center is #1 in the world), cultural institutions, and don't mind the heat. The lack of state income tax is a huge plus for retirees drawing from 401(k)s/IRAs.
City-Specific Pros & Cons
Houston: PROS
- No state income tax – more money in your pocket.
- World-class economy & job market – especially in energy, healthcare, and tech.
- Incredible food & culture – truly world-class, from BBQ to Vietnamese to Tex-Mex.
- Diversity – you'll find every culture, language, and community.
- Major airport – easy to travel anywhere.
Houston: CONS
- High violent crime rate – a serious, city-wide issue.
- Brutal, humid summers – oppressive and long.
- Notorious traffic – long commutes are the norm.
- High home prices – significant barrier to entry.
- Car dependency – public transit is limited.
Hammond: PROS
- Extremely affordable housing – buy a home for under $200k.
- Lower crime – statistically safer than Houston and the national average.
- Short commutes – reclaim your time.
- Tight-knit community – neighborly feel.
- Four distinct seasons – if you enjoy variety in weather.
Hammond: CONS
- Smaller job market – limited career opportunities outside of manufacturing/retail.
- Colder, snowier winters – requires dealing with snow removal and winter driving.
- Fewer amenities – fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Lower median income – earning potential is more capped.
- Less diversity – a more homogenous population.
The Bottom Line: Choose Hammond if your priority is affordability, safety, and a slower pace of life. Choose Houston if your priority is career growth, big-city amenities, and you can handle the heat and higher costs. The data doesn't lie—your life in Hammond will be cheaper, safer, and quieter. Your life in Houston will be more expensive, riskier, but with vastly more opportunities and energy. What matters more to you?