Lakewood CDP vs Houston

Category / Metric	Lakewood CDP	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$70,483	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	5.4%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$660,100	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,743	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	149.3	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	109.5	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	195.4	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	—	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	23	44

Houston vs. Lakewood CDP: The Ultimate Showdown for Your Next Move

Hey there, future mover! You're standing at a crossroads, staring at two very different American dreams. On one side, you've got Houston—the sprawling, energy-charged, "everything is bigger" metropolis of Texas. On the other, Lakewood CDP—a tight-knit, community-focused coastal town (part of the Lakewood/Long Beach metro area) in Washington State that feels like a slice of Pacific Northwest perfection.

This isn't just a choice of city; it's a choice of lifestyle, budget, and daily vibe. Are you chasing big-city opportunities or a peaceful retreat with a killer view? Let's break it down, head-to-head, with no fluff and all the data you need.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

Houston is the life of the party. It's a sprawling, diverse, and unapologetically energetic city of 2.3 million people. The culture here is a melting pot—think world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from Vietnamese to Tex-Mex), and a palpable energy driven by the aerospace and energy industries. Life is fast-paced, car-dependent, and often revolves around big events, from Astros games to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It’s for the ambitious, the foodie, and anyone who thrives in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Think of it as the ultimate urban jungle with a Southern drawl.

Lakewood CDP, with a population of roughly 68,000, is the picture of a laid-back community. Nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The vibe here is quieter, more collaborative, and deeply connected to nature. You're not just living in a town; you're joining a community where local parks, farmers' markets, and easy access to hiking, skiing, and kayaking define the rhythm of life. It's perfect for those who prioritize work-life balance, want a strong sense of neighborhood, and believe a weekend trip to the mountains or the ocean is a non-negotiable.

Who it's for:

• Houston: The career-driven, the social butterfly, the urban explorer, and anyone who wants endless options at their doorstep.
• Lakewood CDP: The outdoor lover, the family seeking a tight-knit community, the remote worker craving natural beauty, and the retiree looking for a peaceful, active setting.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

Let's talk money, because that's where the rubber meets the road. The "sticker shock" between these two cities is real, but it's more nuanced than just looking at the price tag.

The Cost Breakdown

Here’s how your monthly expenses stack up. (Data is indexed for comparison, with 100 as the national average).

Category	Houston, TX	Lakewood CDP, WA	The Takeaway
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,743	Houston is ~35% cheaper for a roof over your head.
Utilities	Higher (due to extreme AC use)	Moderate	Houston's sweltering summers lead to $150-$200+ electric bills. Lakewood's milder temps keep costs lower.
Groceries	~106.5 (Index)	~149.3 (Index)	You'll spend ~40% more on groceries in Lakewood. The Pacific Northwest's cost of living is no joke.
Overall COL	Low (National Avg: 100)	High (National Avg: 100)	Houston is one of America's most affordable major cities. Lakewood is pricey for its size, but standard for the West Coast.

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

This is where Houston’s secret weapon shines: Texas has 0% state income tax. Lakewood is in Washington, which has no state income tax either. So, that tax advantage is a wash. The real battle is between salary and cost.

• Houston Median Income: $62,637
• Lakewood CDP Median Income: $70,483

On the surface, Lakewood pays more. But let's run the numbers. If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your take-home pay (after federal taxes and FICA, but no state tax) is roughly $76,000. If you earn $100,000 in Lakewood, your take-home is roughly the same ($76,000).

The purchasing power verdict? Houston wins, hands down. That $76,000 will stretch much farther. In Houston, your rent is $600+ less per month, and you're paying less for nearly every other necessity. In Lakewood, that higher median income gets swallowed by the brutal cost of housing and groceries. You'll feel "richer" in Houston, even if you make less on paper.

💡 Pro Tip: If you're a high-earner (think $150k+), the lack of state income tax in both places is a massive win, but Houston's overall low cost will still give you more disposable income for savings, travel, or fun.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston: The Affordable Buyer's Market (for a Major City)
With a median home price of $335,000, Houston is a relative bargain. You get a lot of house for your money—think spacious single-family homes with big yards, often in established neighborhoods. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. It's a great place for first-time buyers and families looking to plant roots without breaking the bank. Renting is also a strong, affordable option if you're not ready to commit.

Lakewood CDP: The Expensive Seller's Market
Welcome to the West Coast reality. The median home price here is a staggering $660,100—nearly double Houston's. For that price, you're likely looking at a smaller, older home or a townhouse/condo. The market is fiercely competitive, with limited inventory driving prices sky-high. Renting is the only viable option for many, but even that comes with a premium. This is a significant financial hurdle that will be a dealbreaker for most.

🚀 Verdict: If homeownership is your dream, Houston is in a different universe of affordability. Lakewood is a tough market unless you're coming in with significant equity or a very high income.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: Legendary. It's a car-centric city with some of the worst traffic in the U.S. Commutes of 45-90 minutes are common. Public transit (Metro) exists but is limited. If you hate sitting in traffic, Houston will test your patience.
• Lakewood CDP: Much more manageable. As a smaller community, commutes are shorter. However, it's part of the Greater Seattle area, so traffic to Seattle or Tacoma can be heavy during peak hours. Overall, it's a far less stressful daily drive.

Weather

• Houston: Brutally hot and humid. Summer highs average 90°F+ for months, with oppressive humidity that makes it feel hotter. Winters are mild (averaging 59°F), but the city is prone to heavy rain and flooding. The weather is a major lifestyle factor—you live for AC and indoor activities in summer.
• Lakewood CDP: The classic Pacific Northwest. Mild, cool, and often cloudy. Averages 54°F, with cool summers and chilly, damp winters (but little snow). It's perfect if you love layers, rain jackets, and outdoor activities year-round. The lack of extreme heat is a huge plus for many.

Crime & Safety
This is a stark contrast and a critical factor:

• Houston Violent Crime: 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any huge metropolis, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, but the city-wide statistic is a serious consideration.
• Lakewood Violent Crime: 195.4 per 100,000. This is below the national average and reflects the safer, community-focused character of the town. This is a major win for Lakewood, especially for families.

🚨 The Safety Reality: Lakewood is objectively safer by the numbers. In Houston, you must be diligent about researching specific neighborhoods.

The Final Verdict

So, who wins? It depends entirely on what you value most.

Winner Category	The City	The Reason
💰 Best for Your Wallet	Houston	Lower rent, home prices, and groceries give you far more purchasing power.
🏠 Best for Homebuyers	Houston	Median home price of $335k vs. Lakewood's $660k makes homeownership a realistic goal.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families	Lakewood CDP	Lower crime rates, good schools, and a community-focused environment edge out Houston's affordability.
🏃‍♂️ Best for Young Pros	Houston	More job opportunities, a vibrant social scene, and affordable living are perfect for building a career and network.
🌳 Best for Retirees	Lakewood CDP	Safer, calmer, with unbeatable access to nature and outdoor recreation, promoting an active retirement.
🌧️ Best for Weather Lovers	Lakewood CDP	If you hate extreme heat and humidity, Lakewood's mild climate is a dream.

Houston: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Extremely affordable cost of living for a major U.S. city.
  • Vibrant, diverse culture with endless food, arts, and entertainment.
  • Major job market in energy, healthcare, and aerospace.
  • No state income tax.
  • Large, spacious homes for the price.
• Cons:
  • Brutal summer heat and humidity.
  • Heavy traffic and long commutes.
  • Higher crime rates city-wide.
  • Car-dependent with limited public transit.
  • Risk of flooding and hurricanes.

Lakewood CDP: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Significantly safer with low violent crime rates.
  • Stunning natural beauty and endless outdoor recreation.
  • Strong sense of community and family-friendly vibe.
  • Mild, temperate climate with no extreme heat.
  • Good work-life balance and calmer pace of life.
• Cons:
  • Very high cost of living, especially for housing and groceries.
  • Competitive and expensive housing market.
  • Gray, rainy winters can be a mood dampener for some.
  • Smaller job market compared to Houston; may require commuting to Seattle/Tacoma.
  • Less urban excitement and cultural diversity.

The Bottom Line:
Choose Houston if you prioritize affordability, career opportunities, and urban energy. It's the pragmatic choice for building wealth and experiencing a major American city without the coastal price tag.

Choose Lakewood CDP if you prioritize safety, community, outdoor access, and a slower pace of life. It's the lifestyle choice for those who value nature and peace over big-city hustle, and who have the budget to support it.

Your move, my friend. Which city speaks to you?