Layton vs Houston

Category / Metric	Layton	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$99,866	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.6%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$519,950	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$211	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,283	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	107.0	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	93.0	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	233.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	—	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	86	44

Houston vs. Layton: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing a place to live is about more than just a zip code—it’s about your daily rhythm, your wallet, and your peace of mind. This isn't just a data dump; it's a face-off between two vastly different American cities. On one side, you have Houston, Texas: a sprawling, diverse, energy-rich metropolis that’s always awake. On the other, Layton, Utah: a family-centric, outdoor-loving suburb nestled in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains.

Let’s cut through the noise and see which city truly fits your life.

The Vibe Check: Big City Hustle vs. Suburban Sanctuary

Houston is the definition of a "go big or go home" city. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. for a reason—massive, unpretentious, and endlessly diverse. The culture here is a melting pot of Southern hospitality, international cuisine (it’s arguably the best food city in America), and a relentless work ethic. Think: world-class museums, a booming nightlife, and a "you do you" attitude. It’s for the person who wants access to everything without the pretension of New York or the price tag of San Francisco.

Layton is the quintessential slice of American suburbia, but with a mountain backdrop. Located in Davis County, it’s part of the Salt Lake City metro area but feels distinctively its own. The vibe here is active, family-focused, and community-oriented. Life revolves around the outdoors—hiking, skiing, and four distinct seasons. It’s quieter, cleaner, and slower-paced. This is for the person who prioritizes safety, space, and a strong sense of community over the buzz of a major city.

Verdict: If you crave anonymity and endless options, Houston. If you want a tight-knit community with nature at your doorstep, Layton.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the story gets interesting. You might earn more in Layton, but does your money go as far? Let’s break down the purchasing power.

First, the raw numbers. Layton boasts a significantly higher median income ($99,866) compared to Houston ($62,637). However, the cost of living tells a different story. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive boost to your take-home pay. Utah has a flat state income tax of 4.65%. That’s a direct hit to your paycheck.

Cost of Living Comparison (Rent, Utilities, Groceries)

Category	Houston, TX	Layton, UT	The Edge
Median Income	$62,637	$99,866	Layton
State Income Tax	0%	4.65%	Houston (Big Time)
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,283	Houston
Housing Index	106.5	107.0	Negligible
Groceries	13.5% below U.S. avg	9.2% below U.S. avg	Houston (Slightly)

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s imagine you earn $100,000 in both cities. In Layton, after federal taxes and Utah’s 4.65% state tax, your take-home is roughly $74,500. In Houston, with 0% state tax, your take-home is closer to $78,000.

Now, factor in the cost of living. Houston is generally cheaper for daily expenses (groceries, transportation, dining out). When you combine the higher tax burden in Utah with slightly higher living costs, your $100k feels like it stretches further in Houston. The higher median income in Layton is often offset by the region's high housing costs, which we’ll get to next.

Verdict: Despite the lower median income, Houston wins on overall purchasing power thanks to the tax advantage and lower costs.

The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

Houston:
The median home price is $335,000, which is relatively attainable for a major U.S. metro. Rent for a 1-bedroom is a reasonable $1,135. The market is vast, meaning you can find almost anything—from a downtown loft to a sprawling suburban home. It’s a buyer’s market in many areas, with more inventory and less competition than you’d expect for a city this size. The catch? Property taxes in Texas are notoriously high (often 2-3% of the home's value), which can add a significant monthly burden.

Layton:
Here’s where the "sticker shock" hits. The median home price is a steep $519,950, and rent for a 1-bedroom is $1,283. The real estate market in Utah has been incredibly competitive, often favoring sellers. While Layton offers more space than downtown Salt Lake, you’re paying a premium for that mountain proximity and newer construction. The housing index is slightly higher here, reflecting that demand.

Verdict: For sheer affordability, Houston takes the win. You can buy a home for $335k that would easily cost over $600k in Layton. However, if you’re renting, the gap narrows significantly.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Houston: Infamous. The city is car-dependent, and commutes can be brutal. An average commute can easily be 30-45 minutes, and traffic is a daily reality.
• Layton: Much better. Traffic exists but is manageable. Commutes to Salt Lake City are straightforward via I-15, typically 20-30 minutes. Access to outdoor recreation is often just a 15-minute drive away.

Weather:

• Houston: Hot and humid. Average temperature is 59°F, but that’s a misleading average. Summers are oppressive (think 95°F+ with intense humidity), and hurricane season is a real threat. Winters are mild but can be rainy.
• Layton: Four distinct seasons. Average temp is 36°F, with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. The air is crisp, and the snow is a winter wonderland (or a nuisance, depending on your view). No hurricanes, but you'll need a snow shovel.

Crime & Safety:
This is a critical, honest point.

• Houston: Violent crime is a significant concern. The rate is 912.4 per 100,000 people—more than four times the rate in Layton. While vast, some neighborhoods are very safe, but city-wide, it’s a factor you must research carefully.
• Layton: Exceptionally safe. Violent crime is 233.0 per 100,000, which is below the national average. This is one of Layton's biggest selling points, especially for families.

Verdict: Layton wins decisively on safety and manageable traffic. Houston wins if you prefer mild winters over brutal summers, but the weather is a matter of personal tolerance.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Layton
With a median income of $99,866, a violent crime rate 75% lower than Houston's, and top-rated schools, Layton is a family powerhouse. The outdoor-centric lifestyle, community feel, and safety make it a no-brainer for parents. The higher home prices are the trade-off.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston
The energy, diversity, and food scene are unmatched. The cost of living is more forgiving for someone starting out, and the city’s endless networking and social opportunities are perfect for career growth. You can build a life without needing a car payment and a mortgage right away.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Layton
For retirees seeking peace, safety, and easy access to outdoor activities, Layton is ideal. The slower pace, clean air, and strong community are perfect for this stage of life. The higher cost of living might be manageable on a fixed income if you’ve built equity elsewhere. (Note: Texas also has no state income tax, which is a huge perk for retirees, but Layton's safety and climate often outweigh this.)

City-Specific Pros & Cons

HOUSTON, TEXAS

• Pros:
  • No State Income Tax: A massive financial advantage.
  • Affordable Housing: Median home price of $335,000 for a major metro.
  • Diverse & Vibrant: World-class food, culture, and opportunities.
  • Mild Winters: No snow shoveling required.
• Cons:
  • High Violent Crime: Rate of 912.4/100k is a serious concern.
  • Brutal Humidity & Heat: Summers are oppressive.
  • Notorious Traffic: A car is mandatory, and commutes are long.
  • High Property Taxes: Can negate the lack of income tax.

LAYTON, UTAH

• Pros:
  • Extremely Safe: Violent crime of 233.0/100k is very low.
  • High Median Income: $99,866 offers a strong financial foundation.
  • Outdoor Paradise: Immediate access to mountains, lakes, and ski resorts.
  • Family-Friendly: Great schools and community feel.
• Cons:
  • High Housing Costs: Median home price of $519,950 is steep.
  • State Income Tax: 4.65% hits your take-home pay.
  • Harsh Winters: Snow and cold are a reality for months.
  • Less Diversity: The culture is more homogeneous than Houston's.

The Bottom Line:
If your priority is financial flexibility, urban energy, and warm weather, and you can navigate the safety concerns, Houston is your city. If your priority is safety, family life, outdoor access, and a high median income, and you can afford the housing premium, Layton is the clear choice. Choose wisely.