Category / Metric	Lakewood	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$83,987	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.9%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$543,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$260	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,835	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	146.1	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	101.3	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.26	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	45.6%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	44

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Houston and Lakewood.

Houston vs. Lakewood: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston, the sprawling, oil-rich behemoth of Texas. On the other, Lakewood, the coastal enclave of California with a median income that makes you do a double-take. It’s a classic clash of titans: the "Space City" versus the "Gateway to the Pacific."

But let’s cut the fluff. This isn't just about geography; it's about your bank account, your daily grind, and your sanity. As a relocation expert, I’ve seen people move for the wrong reasons and kick themselves later. We’re going to dig into the data, strip away the marketing, and figure out where you actually belong.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

Houston is a city that doesn’t care what you wear, but it definitely cares where you work. It’s a blue-collar city with a white-collar heart, fueled by energy, healthcare, and aerospace. The vibe is humid, fast-paced, and incredibly diverse. You’ll find the best Vietnamese food in the country in Houston, alongside world-class museums and a nightlife that starts late and ends never. It’s a city of transplants; nobody is from here, which creates a unique, welcoming chaos. Think: Big energy, bigger personalities, and air conditioning as a survival tool.

Lakewood is a different beast entirely. Located in Los Angeles County, it’s a quintessential suburban city with a distinct laid-back, coastal influence. The vibe here is family-oriented, community-focused, and quietly affluent. You’re not rushing to a corporate tower; you’re commuting to Long Beach or downtown LA, but you come home to a place where the streets are cleaner, the parks are manicured, and the Pacific Ocean is a short drive away. It’s for the professional who wants the California dream without the concrete jungle of downtown LA.

Who is it for?

Houston is for the ambitious career climber, the foodie, and the person who values cultural diversity and low-cost entertainment over scenic beauty.
Lakewood is for the established professional, the family seeking safety and good schools, and the person who is willing to pay a premium for a calmer, coastal lifestyle.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might think a higher salary in Lakewood automatically means more money in your pocket, but let’s look at the math.

Purchasing Power Wars
Let’s say you earn $100,000. In Texas, which has 0% state income tax, your take-home pay is significantly higher than in California, where state income tax can range from 6% to 13% depending on your bracket. A single filer earning $100k in California might pay around $6,000 in state taxes, whereas in Texas, you pay $0. That’s an instant $500/month advantage for Houston right off the bat.

But does it stretch as far? Let’s break it down.

Cost of Living Comparison (Essentials)

Category	Houston, TX	Lakewood, CA	The Winner
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,835	Houston
Utilities	$150 - $200 (High AC)	$120 - $160 (mild climate)	Lakewood
Groceries	~11% below national avg	~14% above national avg	Houston
Housing Index	106.5	146.1	Houston

Note: Housing Index is a measure where 100 is the national average.

The Verdict on Buying Power: Houston is the undisputed champion for the average earner. Even with the median income being lower ($62,637 vs. Lakewood’s $83,987), the cost of living is so much lower that your dollar goes much further. In Lakewood, you’re paying a massive "sunshine tax." In Houston, you’re trading scenic views for sheer purchasing power.

The Housing Market: Rent vs. Buy

Houston: The Buyer’s Paradise (Sort Of)
With a median home price of $335,000, Houston is one of the last major cities where the American Dream of homeownership feels attainable for the middle class. The market is competitive, but inventory is generally better than in coastal cities. Renting is also affordable, making it a great city for young professionals to save up. The downside? Property taxes in Texas are notoriously high (often 2-3% of assessed value), which can sting if you buy.

Lakewood: The Seller’s Fortress
Buying in Lakewood is a serious investment. The median home price is $543,000, and with a Housing Index of 146.1, you’re paying 46% more than the national average just for the structure. The market is fiercely competitive, often a seller’s market. Rent is steep at $1,835 for a 1BR, meaning you’ll need a roommate or a very healthy salary to live alone comfortably. This is not a starter market; it’s for those with stability and deep pockets.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and public transit (Metro) is limited. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes each way. If you work in the Energy Corridor or Downtown, prepare for gridlock. The sprawl is real.
Lakewood: You’re in LA County. Commuting to downtown LA or Santa Monica can be brutal (think 1-2 hours). However, Lakewood itself has decent local roads and is close to the 405 and 605 freeways. If you work locally (Long Beach, Orange County), it’s manageable.

Weather: Survival vs. Comfort

Houston: 59°F is the average annual temp, but that’s misleading. Summers are 90°F+ with suffocating humidity (80-90% is common). It feels like living in a sauna. You live indoors. Winters are mild, but hurricane season is a real, stressful threat.
Lakewood: 43°F is the average, but it’s a dry, mild climate. Summers are warm (80-85°F) but rarely oppressive. Winters are cool and damp but rarely freeze. You can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. For weather lovers, Lakewood wins by a mile.

Crime & Safety

Houston: The stats are concerning. With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100k, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies wildly by neighborhood; some areas are perfectly safe, while others are best avoided. You must do your homework.
Lakewood: A much safer bet. At 456.0 per 100k, it’s still above the national average but nearly half that of Houston. It’s considered a safe, family-friendly suburb, which is a major draw for parents.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyle factors, here’s how we break it down.

🏆 Winner for Families: Lakewood

Why: Safety is the ultimate luxury. Lakewood’s crime rate is nearly half that of Houston’s, and the schools are generally better-rated. The community feel, parks, and proximity to the coast offer a higher quality of life for raising kids. Yes, it’s expensive, but if you can afford the entry fee, the environment is superior for family life.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston

Why: The math doesn’t lie. Your $100k salary in Houston gives you a lifestyle that would require $150k+ in Lakewood. You can afford your own apartment, eat out constantly at world-class restaurants, and still save money. The social scene is vibrant and diverse. It’s a place to build wealth and a career before settling down.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (Depending on Priorities)

Choose Lakewood if: You have a solid nest egg, prioritize mild weather, and want a quiet, safe community. The healthcare access in LA County is top-tier.
Choose Houston if: You want to stretch your retirement savings further. The cost of living is lower, and Texas has no state income tax on Social Security or pensions. However, the weather and safety concerns are significant trade-offs.

Final Pros & Cons Snapshot

Houston, TX: The Contender

Pros:

Killer Purchasing Power: Your salary stretches much further.
Affordable Housing: Median home price of $335k is rare for a major city.
0% State Income Tax: Keep more of what you earn.
World-Class Food Scene: Insane diversity and quality.
No Snow: Never shovel your driveway again.

Cons:

Brutal Humidity: Summers are oppressive and sticky.
High Crime Rate: 912.4 violent crimes/100k is a serious concern.
Urban Sprawl & Traffic: Car-dependent with long commutes.
Hurricane Risk: Annual threat from June-November.

Lakewood, CA: The Defender