📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lewiston and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lewiston vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lewiston | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $56,558 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $330,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $162 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $877 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 95.1 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 96.6 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 108.6 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 21.7% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 38 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're staring down two cities that couldn't be more different: Houston, Texas—a sprawling, humid, energy-driven beast—and Lewiston, Maine—a quiet, river-side town with four distinct seasons and a slower pulse.
This isn't just about comparing numbers; it's about matching a city to your life's chapter. Are you chasing a career in healthcare or energy? Or are you looking to escape the grind for a tighter community and access to nature?
Let's dive in.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Small-Town Soul
Houston is a city of relentless momentum. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. for a reason. The vibe is international, diverse, and unapologetically fast-paced. We're talking world-class museums, a legendary food scene (the taco game here is undefeated), and a nightlife that doesn't quit. It’s a city for the ambitious, the career-focused, and those who thrive on the energy of millions of people. If you need a little bit of everything—every cuisine, every culture, every industry—Houston delivers. The catch? You have to be okay with the sprawl, the humidity, and the hustle.
Lewiston sits on the Androscoggin River, part of the "Twin Cities" with Auburn. This is classic New England. The vibe is grounded, historic, and deeply connected to the outdoors. Life moves at a human pace here. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, support local businesses, and spend weekends hiking in the nearby White Mountains or skiing at Sugarloaf. It’s for those who value community over crowds, quiet over constant noise, and four seasons of outdoor recreation over a never-ending summer. The trade-off? Fewer professional opportunities, a smaller cultural footprint, and, let's be honest, some long, gray winters.
Who's it for?
- Houston: The go-getter, the foodie, the career climber, the family seeking endless activities and diversity.
- Lewiston: The outdoors enthusiast, the remote worker, the family seeking a tight-knit community, the retiree valuing peace and safety.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power.
Houston has a secret weapon: 0% state income tax. That’s a massive boost to your take-home pay. A salary of $100,000 in Houston keeps more in your pocket than in most states. However, the "Texas tax" comes in the form of higher property taxes (averaging around 1.8% of home value) and sales tax. You win on income, but you might pay more in other areas.
Lewiston and Maine have a state income tax (ranging from 5.8% to 7.15% for most brackets). That’s a direct hit to your paycheck. However, property taxes in Maine are generally lower than in Texas, and the overall cost of living is significantly lower.
Let's break down the monthly basics (excluding rent/mortgage):
| Expense Category | Houston | Lewiston | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $877 | Lewiston wins, saving you ~$2,600/year. |
| Utilities (Basic) | ~$160 | ~$200 | Houston is slightly cheaper year-round, but Lewiston's brutal winter heating bills can spike. |
| Groceries | ~$350 | ~$330 | Very close, but Lewiston edges out slightly. |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 95.1 | Lewiston is below the national average; Houston is slightly above. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn a $100,000 salary in Houston, with 0% state income tax, your take-home is roughly $75,000 (after federal taxes). In Lewiston, the same salary would see a state tax hit, leaving you with about $69,000. That’s a $6,000 difference right off the top.
But then you spend it. In Houston, you might need a car ($500+/month for payment/insurance/gas) due to sprawl. In Lewiston, you'll need a car too, but driving distances are shorter. When you factor in lower rent and overall costs, the gap narrows. Verdict: For pure salary retention, Houston wins. For overall cost-of-living efficiency, Lewiston can feel like it stretches your dollar further, especially if you own a home.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston: The Sprawling Seller's Market
Houston's housing index of 106.5 tells you it's competitive. The median home price is $335,000. While that’s not San Francisco prices, it’s a tough market for first-time buyers. Inventory moves fast, and you’re competing with investors and relocating professionals. Renting is more accessible ($1,135 for a 1BR), but the rental market is tight. You get more space for your money compared to coastal cities, but you pay for it in commute times and a competitive buyer landscape.
Lewiston: The Stable, Affordable Market
Lewiston's housing index of 95.1 is a breath of fresh air. The median home price is $330,000—almost identical to Houston—but the context is wildly different. For that price, you’re getting a historic home in a walkable neighborhood, not a newer build in a suburban subdivision. The market is more stable and less frenetic. Competition exists, but it’s not the bidding-war frenzy you see in major metros. Renting ($877) is significantly cheaper, offering a low barrier to entry for newcomers. This is a buyer's market for those with a stable income.
The Bottom Line: If you want to buy a home without a cutthroat bidding process, Lewiston is the smarter play. If you need to rent for flexibility, Lewiston also wins on price. Houston offers more inventory and modern amenities, but at a premium and with more competition.
The Dealbreakers: Weather, Traffic, and Safety
Weather:
- Houston: Humidity is the headline. 59°F is the average annual temperature, but that hides brutal summers (regularly 90°F+ with suffocating humidity) and mild, often gray winters. Hurricane season is a real threat. If you hate sweating the moment you step outside, Houston is a dealbreaker.
- Lewiston: Four true seasons. The average is a chilly 45°F. Winters are long, snowy, and can be dark (sunset before 4:30 PM in December). Summers are glorious—low humidity, highs in the 70s-80s. For those who love autumn foliage and winter sports, it’s paradise. For those who hate shoveling snow, it’s hell.
Traffic & Commute:
- Houston: Infamous. The city is designed for cars. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes one-way. Public transit exists but is limited. This is a major lifestyle cost.
- Lewiston: Minimal. You’re talking 10-15 minute commutes, max. Traffic jams are rare. The city is very walkable/bikeable in the core. A huge quality-of-life win.
Crime & Safety:
This is the starkest contrast.
- Houston: The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. While much of the crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it’s a city-wide consideration. You must be vigilant about where you live.
- Lewiston: The violent crime rate is 108.6 per 100,000. This is remarkably low, well below the national average. Lewiston is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Maine. This is a massive, undeniable point in its favor for families and retirees.
The Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?
After crunching the data and living the lifestyles in our heads, here's the final showdown.
Winner for Families: Lewiston
While Houston offers more activities and schools, the safety factor is a game-changer. Lewiston’s violent crime rate is 1/8th of Houston’s. Add in lower cost of living, shorter commutes, and a strong sense of community, and it provides a more stable, secure environment for raising kids. The outdoor access for family recreation is unparalleled.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston
The career opportunities in Houston are in a different league. From the Texas Medical Center (the largest in the world) to energy giants and a booming tech scene, your professional ceiling is higher. The diverse social scene, endless dining, and cultural events make it an exciting place to live when you’re building your career and social network. The 0% income tax is a huge boost for saving and investing early.
Winner for Retirees: Lewiston
This isn't close. Lewiston wins on safety, cost of living, and pace of life. The walkability, access to nature, and slower rhythm are ideal for retirement. While healthcare is a consideration, Lewiston has solid regional hospitals, and Portland’s excellent medical facilities are under an hour away. Houston’s heat, traffic, and higher crime rate are significant detractors for this demographic.
Final Pros & Cons
Houston: The Big City Contender
PROS:
- 0% state income tax – More money in your paycheck.
- Massive job market – Top-tier in healthcare, energy, and tech.
- Unbeatable diversity & food scene – A global city on a local scale.
- No state income tax – Did we mention it’s a big deal?
- Major international airport – Easy to travel anywhere.
CONS:
- High violent crime rate (912.4/100k) – A serious safety concern.
- Brutal summer humidity – Can be oppressive for 5+ months.
- Notorious traffic & sprawl – Commutes can drain your time and sanity.
- Competitive housing market – Buying is tough for first-timers.
Lewiston: The Peaceful Underdog
PROS:
- Extremely low crime (108.6/100k) – One of the safest places in New England.
- Affordable cost of living – Rent and home prices are very reasonable.
- Short, easy commutes – You get your time back.
- Four-season outdoor paradise – Hiking, skiing, leaf-peeping, lakes.
- Strong, tight-knit community feel – You're not a number here.
CONS:
- State income tax – Takes a bite out of your salary.
- Long, dark, snowy winters – Not for sun-seekers.
- Limited professional opportunities – You'll likely need a remote job or work in healthcare/education.
- Smaller cultural footprint – Fewer concerts, museums, and nightlife options.
The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if your career is your top priority and you crave the energy of a major metropolis. Choose Lewiston if your quality of life—safety, community, nature, and peace—is the ultimate goal.