đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lewisville and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lewisville vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lewisville | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $88,784 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $386,500 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $208 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,291 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.8 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 105.0 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 38.4% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Houston and Lewisville.
Head-to-Head: Houston vs. Lewisville
The Sprawling Metropolis vs. The Suburban Sweet Spot
So, you’re looking at Texas. Specifically, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex versus the massive beast that is Houston. You’ve got two distinct vibes here. Houston is the "Space City"—a sprawling, diverse, economic powerhouse where ambition meets humidity. Lewisville is the "Lake City"—a well-manicured, strategic suburb north of Dallas that offers a quiet life with big-city access.
Choosing between them isn't just about geography; it's about your lifestyle, your wallet, and what you’re willing to trade off. Let’s break it down.
The Vibe Check
Houston: The Melting Pot
Houston is massive. With a population of 2.3 million, it’s the fourth-largest city in the US. It feels less like a city and more like a collection of distinct neighborhoods connected by a web of freeways. It’s culturally diverse, unpretentious, and driven by industry—energy, healthcare, and aerospace. The vibe is "live and let live," but be warned: the sprawl is real. You can drive 45 minutes and still be in Houston.
Lewisville: The Strategic Suburb
Lewisville, with a population of 133,779, is a different beast. It’s a suburb that feels like a self-contained town. Located just north of Dallas, it’s anchored by Lewisville Lake and a historic downtown. The vibe is family-oriented, cleaner, and quieter. It’s for the person who wants the amenities of a metro area (jobs, shopping, airports) without the sensory overload of a major city core.
Who is it for?
- Houston is for the career-driven professional, the foodie, the culture seeker, and those who want a major city feel with a lower cost of living compared to coastal cities.
- Lewisville is for families, young professionals who work in Dallas or Fort Worth, and anyone who prioritizes safety, parks, and a shorter commute.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
Let’s talk money. Texas has no state income tax, which is a massive win for residents of both cities. However, your paycheck stretches differently depending on where you live.
Salary Wars: Purchasing Power
This is where it gets interesting.
- Lewisville boasts a significantly higher median income: $88,784 compared to Houston’s $62,637.
- However, Lewisville is more expensive. The Housing Index is 117.8 (above the national average), while Houston’s is 106.5.
If you earn $100,000 in Lewisville, you are earning more than the local median, but you’re paying more for housing. In Houston, earning $100,000 puts you well above the median income, and while housing isn’t "cheap," the lower index means your dollar might go further regarding square footage—especially if you look outside the trendy inner loops.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Houston | Lewisville | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $62,637 | $88,784 | Lewisville residents earn 42% more on average. |
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $386,500 | Houston wins on entry-level home prices. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $1,291 | Houston is cheaper for renters by about $150/month. |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 117.8 | Houston is closer to the national average; Lewisville is pricier. |
Insight: Lewisville has "sticker shock" when it comes to buying a home. That $386,500 median price is steep for a suburb, driven by the high demand in the DFW metro. Houston offers more variety; you can find a starter home in the suburbs for under $300k, though the inner city is pricey.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston: The Buyer’s Market (Sort of)
Houston’s real estate market is vast. Because the city is so spread out, you have options. You can buy a historic bungalow in the Heights for $500k+, or a modern townhome in the suburbs for $250k. Inventory is generally better than in DFW, meaning less bidding war frenzy. However, property taxes are high (averaging 2.1% - 2.5% of assessed value), which can add $7,000+ annually to that $335,000 home.
Lewisville: The Competitive Seller’s Market
Lewisville is part of the hot North Texas corridor. The competition is fierce. That median home price of $386,500 often goes for over asking. The inventory is tighter, and new construction is pushing prices up. Renting is also competitive. While $1,291 seems reasonable, availability fluctuates wildly. If you’re looking to buy, be prepared to move fast and potentially compromise on concessions.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous. The Katy Freeway (I-10) is one of the widest in the world, yet it’s gridlocked daily. Commutes of 45-60 minutes are standard. Public transit (Metro) exists but is limited compared to other major metros.
- Lewisville: Much better. Located near major interstates (I-35E, 121, 635), you have solid access to Dallas and Fort Worth. Commutes to DFW Airport are a breeze (15-20 mins). However, traffic into Dallas proper during rush hour can still be heavy.
Weather
- Houston: Brutal humidity. While the average temp is 59.0°F, that’s misleading. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with suffocating humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing), but hurricane season is a real threat.
- Lewisville: More moderate. The average temp is 57.0°F. You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot (90°F+) but less humid than Houston. Winters can see ice storms and occasional snow (1-2 inches), which can shut things down since the city isn't fully equipped for it.
Crime & Safety
This is a massive differentiator.
| Metric | Houston | Lewisville | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 912.4 | 234.0 | Lewisville |
| Property Crime (per 100k) | High (Data implied) | Moderate | Lewisville |
Verdict: Lewisville is significantly safer. Houston’s violent crime rate is nearly 4x higher than Lewisville’s. While Houston has safe neighborhoods, the city-wide average is dragged down by high crime in certain areas. Lewisville consistently ranks as one of the safer suburbs in DFW.
The Verdict: Who Wins?
Winner for Families: Lewisville
Why? Safety is the ultimate tie-breaker for families. With a violent crime rate of 234.0/100k versus Houston’s 912.4, the difference is stark. The school districts (Lewisville ISD) are highly rated, and the abundance of parks and the lake offers outdoor activities that Houston’s concrete jungle lacks. The higher median income ($88,784) also suggests a stable economic environment for raising kids.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston
Why? If you’re young, single, and hungry for culture, Houston is undefeated. The food scene is world-class (Tex-Mex, Viet-Cajun, BBQ), the nightlife is vibrant, and the job market in energy, healthcare, and tech is massive. Yes, the commute sucks, but the energy of the city and the lower rent ($1,135) for a major metro area is a draw. You can find your tribe in Houston’s diverse neighborhoods.
Winner for Retirees: Lewisville
Why? While Houston has medical facilities, Lewisville offers a quieter, safer, and more manageable lifestyle. The weather is slightly cooler and less oppressive. The lower violent crime rate (234.0) provides peace of mind. While the cost of living is higher, the quality of life—walkable downtown, lake access, and safety—makes it a better spot for relaxing in your golden years.
Final Pros & Cons
Houston
Pros:
- Economic Powerhouse: Massive job market across diverse industries.
- Cultural Diversity: One of the most diverse cities in the US.
- Food Scene: Unmatched variety and quality.
- No State Income Tax: Keeps more money in your pocket.
- International Hub: Two major airports (IAH and HOU).
Cons:
- Traffic: Commutes are long and stressful.
- Weather: Oppressive humidity and hurricane risk.
- Crime: Higher rates require neighborhood research.
- Sprawl: You need a car for everything.
Lewisville
Pros:
- Safety: Significantly lower violent crime rates.
- Location: Prime spot between Dallas and Fort Worth/DFW Airport.
- Outdoor Living: Lewisville Lake and extensive parks.
- Schools: Strong public school system (Lewisville ISD).
- Managed Growth: Cleaner, more manicured infrastructure.
Cons:
- Cost of Living: Higher than Houston, especially for homeowners.
- Competitive Market: Harder to buy a home without overpaying.
- Suburban Feel: Lacks the "big city" energy and culture of Houston.
- Weather Extremes: Ice storms in winter can be problematic.
The Bottom Line:
If you want a city that feels like a city—diverse, exciting, and economically booming—and you can handle the heat and humidity, Houston is your winner. If you want a safe, family-friendly home base with easy access to the opportunities of the DFW metro, Lewisville is the smarter play.