Category / Metric	Jackson	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$112,609	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.4%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$2,299,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$1170	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$921	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	111.5	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.1	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.2	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	55%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	44

Here is the Head-to-Head Showdown between Houston and Jackson.

The Ultimate Showdown: Houston vs. Jackson

Let’s be real: choosing a place to live is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle bets you’ll ever make. The stakes are high, and the FOMO is real. In this corner, we have the sprawling, high-energy beast of the South: Houston. In the other corner, we have the quiet, hyper-exclusive enclave of the wealthy elite: Jackson.

These aren't just two cities; they are two completely different worlds. One is a massive metropolis where millions hustle for opportunity; the other is a private ski village where billionaires come to disappear. Whether you're moving for a job, a family, or a change of pace, this breakdown is for you.

1. The Vibe Check

Houston: The Unstoppable Energy Machine
Houston is the "Space City," and it’s huge. With a population of 2.3 million, it’s a sprawling, diverse, and unpretentious giant. There is no zoning in Houston, which means a high-rise condo sits next to a taco truck, which sits next to a strip mall. The vibe is fast-paced, culturally rich (you can eat your way around the world in a week), and defined by hustle. It’s a city for the ambitious, the foodies, and those who want big-city amenities without the icy coldness of the Northeast.

Jackson: The Wealthy Winter Hideaway
Jackson, Wyoming, is a different beast entirely. With a tiny population of just 10,746, it’s less a "city" and more a curated resort town nestled in the Teton Range. The vibe here is quiet, exclusive, and outdoorsy. Think: luxury boutiques, world-class skiing, and wildlife crossings. It’s a place where privacy is the ultimate luxury. This isn't where you go to climb the corporate ladder; it's where you go to disconnect, recharge, and perhaps write a novel.

Verdict: If you want culture, diversity, and non-stop options, Jackson is a non-starter. If you want peace, nature, and silence, Houston will feel like chaos.

2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. The data here is shocking, so let’s dive in.

The Spending Power Table

Expense Category	Houston, TX	Jackson, WY	The Reality Check
Median Home Price	$335,000	$2,299,000	Jackson is 7x more expensive.
1BR Rent (Avg)	$1,135	$921	Note: Jackson's rent is often seasonal or hard to find.
Housing Index	106.5	111.5	Jackson is slightly pricier relative to its own average.
Median Income	$62,637	$112,609	Jackson residents earn 80% more on average.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Paradox
At first glance, Jackson looks like the winner. The median income is $112,609 compared to Houston’s $62,637. That’s a massive gap. However, purchasing power is relative to where you spend it.

In Houston: If you earn the median income of $62,637, you can live comfortably. You can rent a decent 1BR for $1,135 (roughly 22% of your income, which is healthy), and a median home is accessible. The lack of state income tax in Texas stretches your paycheck further than in most states.
In Jackson: Even with a higher income of $112,609, buying a median home priced at $2,299,000 is a monumental challenge. A 20% down payment is nearly $460,000. Your mortgage payment would likely consume over 50% of your take-home pay, turning a "good" salary into house-poor status.

The Insight: In Houston, your money buys a life (a house, a car, entertainment). In Jackson, your money buys property (or just gets you in the door to rent). Unless you are in the top 1% of earners or have generational wealth, Jackson is financially out of reach for the average professional.

3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston: The Accessible Market
Houston’s housing market is competitive, but it’s grounded in reality. You can find a 3-bedroom home in a safe suburb for under $400,000. The market is active, with plenty of inventory for single-family homes. It’s a great place to build equity without needing a trust fund. The "Housing Index" of 106.5 indicates it’s slightly above the national average, but considering the size of the metro, it’s a bargain.

Jackson: The Gated Community of Real Estate
Jackson is a seller’s market with an iron grip. Inventory is incredibly low, and what exists is astronomically priced. The median home price of $2,299,000 isn't for a mansion; in Jackson, that might get you a modest 2,000-square-foot home. Because of land restrictions and the desire for privacy, prices are driven by wealthy out-of-state buyers (often from California or New York). Renting is also tricky—many properties are short-term vacation rentals, making long-term leases scarce and competitive.

Verdict: For 99% of the population, Houston is the only viable option for homeownership. Jackson is a luxury market, not a primary residence market.

4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston: Traffic is legendary. Commutes can easily hit 45–60 minutes in a car. The sprawl means you are car-dependent. Public transit exists but is limited. If you hate driving, Houston is a struggle.
Jackson: Traffic is minimal, but it has a unique problem: "Tourist Gridlock." During peak ski season or summer holidays, the roads can clog with RVs and out-of-state plates. However, day-to-day, it’s a breeze.

Weather

Houston: The data says 59.0°F (likely an average), but that’s misleading. Houston is subtropical. Expect 90°F+ with crushing humidity for 5 months, and the constant threat of hurricanes and flooding. The air is thick, and the bugs are big.
Jackson: No data provided, but we know the reality. Jackson sits at 6,000+ feet elevation. Winters are brutal, with temperatures regularly dropping below 20°F and dumping massive amounts of snow. Summers are mild and stunning (70s-80s). If you hate the cold, Jackson is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

This is the most glaring difference in the data.

City	Violent Crime Rate (per 100k)	Context
Houston	912.4	High. This is above the national average. Like any major metro, specific neighborhoods vary wildly, but statistically, the risk is significant.
Jackson	234.2	Very Low. This is well below the national average. It’s a safe, tight-knit community where violent crime is rare.

Verdict: Jackson is significantly safer. However, safety in Houston is neighborhood-specific. You can find safe bubbles, but the city-wide stats are concerning. If safety is your #1 priority, Jackson wins in a landslide.

5. The Verdict: Who Wins?

This isn't a battle of "better" or "worse"—it’s a battle of "for whom."

🏆 Winner for Families: Houston

Why: Space, affordability, and schools. You can afford a backyard and a decent school district. The cultural exposure for kids is immense (museums, zoo, international food). Jackson’s isolation and lack of diverse amenities make it tricky for raising kids unless you are wealthy and plan to homeschool or send them to private boarding schools.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston

Why: Career opportunities and social life. Houston’s economy is booming (energy, healthcare, tech). The dating scene is massive, and the nightlife is endless. Jackson has very few entry-level jobs outside of hospitality; it’s a tough place to launch a career unless you work remotely.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Jackson

Why: If you have the money, Jackson is a dream. The safety, the scenery, and the quiet are unmatched. However, this is strictly for wealthy retirees. For the average retiree on a fixed income, Houston’s lower cost of living and lack of state income tax make it the smarter financial choice.

Final Pros & Cons

Houston: The Giant

Pros:

Affordable Housing: You can actually buy a home here.
No State Income Tax: Your paycheck goes further.
Diversity & Culture: An incredible food scene and international hub.
Job Market: Massive and varied opportunities.

Cons:

Traffic & Sprawl: You will spend time in your car.
Weather: Oppressive humidity and hurricane risk.
High Crime Rate: Statistically significant compared to national averages.
Lack of Nature: It’s a concrete jungle; you have to drive far to see real wilderness.

Jackson: The Exclusive Retreat