Hattiesburg vs Houston

Category / Metric	Hattiesburg	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$44,140	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.8%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$153,600	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$906	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	100.0	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	291.2	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	35%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	44

Head-to-Head: Houston vs. Hattiesburg – The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads, staring at two drastically different maps of the American South. On one side, you have Houston – a sprawling, sun-baked giant of a city, a global energy hub where the ambition is as big as the skyline. On the other, you have Hattiesburg – a classic Southern college town, a pocket-sized community where the pace slows down and "y'all" is part of the daily vocabulary.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you trading a fast-paced, high-stakes career for a laid-back, community-focused life? Or are you looking for the hustle of a major metro area with more opportunities and a lower price tag than coastal cities?

Let's cut through the noise. I’ve crunched the numbers, weighed the intangibles, and laid out the brutal truths. This isn't a love letter to either city; it's a data-driven, no-nonsense guide to help you decide where to plant your roots.

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The Vibe Check: Big City Hustle vs. Southern Charm

First, let's talk about the feel of these places. This is the "vibe check," and it's often the deciding factor that data can't fully capture.

Houston is a beast. It's the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a sprawling, decentralized metropolis of 2.3 million people. The culture here is defined by its diversity, its energy industry, and a relentless "get it done" attitude. It's a city of distinct neighborhoods, from the high-rises of Downtown to the trendy, walkable pockets of Montrose and The Heights. Life in Houston moves fast. It's a city for people who want big-city amenities—world-class museums, professional sports, a legendary food scene, and global connectivity—without the sticker shock of New York or San Francisco. The vibe is ambitious, diverse, and a little bit gritty. It's for the career-driven professional, the international foodie, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a major urban center.

Hattiesburg, on the other hand, is the definition of a college town, anchored by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and William Carey University. With a population of just 48,507, it feels intimate and manageable. The pace is decidedly slower. You'll know your neighbors, the local baristas, and the owners of your favorite Southern diner. The vibe is unapologetically Southern—hospitable, community-oriented, and deeply rooted in tradition. It's a place where Friday nights are for football games, weekends are for exploring the nearby pine forests or heading to the Gulf Coast (about an hour's drive). It's for people who value a tight-knit community, a slower pace of life, and the authentic charm of a small Southern city.

Who is each city for?

• Houston is for the go-getter who wants the perks of a global city on a budget, the career climber, and the culturally curious.
• Hattiesburg is for the person seeking a reset from big-city chaos, the value-conscious buyer, and anyone who feels most at home in a place where community matters more than a corner office.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Farther?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's break down the cost of living and purchasing power. The key metric here isn't just the price tag; it's your purchasing power—what your salary actually buys you in terms of quality of life.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Here’s a direct comparison of everyday expenses. Note: The Housing Index is based on a national average of 100.

Expense Category	Houston	Hattiesburg	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$153,600	Hattiesburg is less than half the cost to buy.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$906	Hattiesburg wins on monthly rent, but the gap is smaller than home prices.
Housing Index	106.5	100.0	Hattiesburg is at the national average; Houston is slightly above.
Median Income	$62,637	$44,140	Houstonians earn 42% more on average.
Violent Crime (per 100k)	912.4	291.2	Hattiesburg is significantly safer by the numbers.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

Let's play a game: Imagine you earn $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like more?

• In Houston: Your $100k salary is 60% higher than the city's median income. You're in a strong position. After taxes (remember, Texas has 0% state income tax, which is a massive boost), your take-home pay is substantial. You can afford a nice one-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood, dine out regularly, and still save for a home. Your purchasing power is strong, especially when compared to high-tax states like California or New York. The catch? The higher median home price means a larger down payment and mortgage if you decide to buy.
• In Hattiesburg: Your $100k salary is a whopping 126% higher than the city's median income. You are living like royalty. You could rent a spacious apartment for under $1,000, save aggressively, and likely buy a home in cash in a few years. Your money stretches incredibly far. The trade-off is that the local job market is smaller, with fewer high-paying roles outside of education and healthcare. A $100k salary here is an outlier, not the norm.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: If you can secure a high-paying remote job or a local job with a major employer, Hattiesburg offers unbeatable financial leverage. Your dollar goes further in every category. However, Houston provides a far stronger local job market to actually earn that $100k salary in the first place, especially in sectors like energy, engineering, and healthcare.

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The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?

Houston

The Houston housing market is competitive but vast. It's a buyer's market in many suburbs, with a wide range of options from townhomes to sprawling single-family houses. The median home price of $335,000 is reasonable for a major U.S. city, but you must factor in property taxes, which are high in Texas (often 2-3% of the home's value). Renting is a popular option, with a healthy inventory of apartments and townhomes. Competition exists in trendy areas, but you can usually find a place without a bidding war.

Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is a classic buyer's market. The median home price of $153,600 is incredibly attractive. You can find charming, renovated historic homes or new construction for a fraction of what you'd pay in a metro area. The market is less volatile and more stable. Renting is also easy and affordable, with plenty of options near the universities and downtown. The main challenge here isn't competition; it's inventory. The selection is smaller, so you need to be patient.

Bottom Line: If your goal is homeownership, Hattiesburg is the clear financial winner. You can build equity much faster. If you prefer the flexibility of renting or want more housing variety, Houston gives you more choices.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: This is a major con. Houston is infamous for its traffic. The city is built for cars, and public transit is limited. Commutes can easily be 45-90 minutes each way. You will spend time in your car. This is a non-negotiable part of life for most residents.
• Hattiesburg: Traffic is virtually non-existent. A commute across town takes 10-15 minutes. You'll spend less time commuting and more time living. This is a massive quality-of-life advantage.

Weather

• Houston: Get ready for the heat and humidity. Summers are long, hot, and sticky, with temperatures regularly hitting the 90s and high humidity. Winters are mild but can be rainy. You must love the heat to thrive here.
• Hattiesburg: Similar heat and humidity in the summer (this is the South, after all), but the smaller size and more green space can make it feel slightly less oppressive. Winters are mild with occasional cold snaps. The weather is a push, but Hattiesburg's smaller scale makes it easier to escape to nearby parks or the Gulf Coast.

Crime & Safety

This is the most stark contrast. The data speaks for itself:

• Houston's violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000 people.
• Hattiesburg's violent crime rate is 291.2 per 100,000 people.

Hattiesburg is statistically over 3 times safer than Houston. While Houston has many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, the city-wide average is high. In Hattiesburg, you can feel comfortable walking around town at night. For families and individuals prioritizing safety, this is a massive point in Hattiesburg's favor.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here are the showdown winners.

🏆 Winner for Families: Hattiesburg

Why: The combination of extreme affordability, significantly lower crime rates, and a tight-knit community makes Hattiesburg a fantastic environment for raising kids. You can buy a great home, enjoy a slower pace, and feel secure. While Houston has excellent schools in specific suburbs, the cost, traffic, and safety concerns give Hattiesburg the edge for a family-focused life.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston

Why: Your career opportunities are vastly greater in Houston. The city's diversity, endless social and cultural events, and food scene provide a dynamic playground. While Hattiesburg is great for a quiet life, Houston offers the energy, networking, and amenities that fuel professional and personal growth. The higher salary potential (and 0% state income tax) unlocks a lifestyle that's hard to match in a smaller town.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Hattiesburg

Why: This is a tough call, but Hattiesburg edges out. The lower cost of living means retirement savings go much further. The safer environment and slower pace are ideal for relaxing. While Houston offers world-class healthcare and more cultural activities, the traffic, heat, and higher costs can be draining. Hattiesburg provides peaceful, affordable golden years, with the bonus of being a short drive to the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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Final Pros & Cons

Houston: The Giant

PROS:

• 0% State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
• Massive Job Market: Opportunities in energy, tech, healthcare, and more.
• World-Class Food & Culture: Unbeatable dining and museums.
• Global Hub: Direct flights worldwide.
• Diverse Neighborhoods: Find your perfect fit, from urban to suburban.

CONS:

• Brutal Traffic & Long Commutes.
• High Crime Rate (city-wide average).
• Extreme Summer Heat & Humidity.
• Sprawling and Car-Dependent.
• High Property Taxes.

Hattiesburg: The Gem

PROS:

• Extreme Affordability: Low home prices and rent.
• Significantly Safer: Crime rates are a fraction of Houston's.
• Slower Pace & Strong Community: Authentic Southern charm.
• Minimal Traffic: Easy, quick commutes.
• Proximity to Nature & Gulf Coast: Best of both worlds.

CONS:

• Limited Job Market: Fewer high-paying roles.
• Smaller City Amenities: Fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
• Can Feel "Small": Less diversity and fewer cultural events.
• Dependent on Major Employers: (Universities, hospitals).

The Bottom Line

The choice boils down to a simple question: What do you value most right now?

• Choose Houston if you're chasing career growth, cultural stimulation, and the energy of a major city, and you're willing to trade longer commutes and higher costs for those privileges.
• Choose Hattiesburg if you're prioritizing financial freedom, safety, community, and a relaxed pace of life, and you're okay with a smaller-town feel and a more limited local job scene.

There's no wrong answer—just the right fit for your chapter of life. Now, go start your next adventure.