Moore vs Houston

Category / Metric	Moore	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$76,941	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$221,750	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$152	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	78.1	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.2	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	458.6	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	27.7%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	44

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

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Houston vs. Moore: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston—a sprawling, energy-fueled behemoth of a city where everything is bigger, bolder, and wetter. On the other, you have Moore—a rapidly growing Oklahoma suburb offering a slice of Midwestern charm with a surprising economic punch.

Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about picking a lifestyle. Are you built for the relentless pace of a major metro, or do you crave the grounded, community-focused vibe of a satellite city?

Let’s cut through the noise and break down exactly what you’re getting into.

The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Suburban Sweet Spot

Houston is a beast. With a population over 2.3 million, it’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S. It’s a sprawling, international metropolis with no zoning laws, meaning a high-rise condo can sit next to a taco truck next to a tire shop. The culture is a gumbo of industries—energy, medicine, aerospace, and shipping—all simmering under a blanket of humidity that hits you the moment you step off the plane. It’s diverse, unpretentious, and offers an endless menu of food, nightlife, and professional opportunities. This is the city for the hustler, the foodie, and the urban explorer who wants to get lost in a crowd.

Moore, with its 63,045 residents, is the quintessential growing suburb. Located just south of Oklahoma City, it’s the definition of "bedroom community." The vibe is quieter, more family-centric, and deeply rooted in community events and high school football. It’s not trying to be a global hub; it’s trying to be a great place to raise a family without the chaos of a major downtown core. You move to Moore for the peace of mind, the shorter commutes, and a more predictable, slower-paced life.

Who’s it for?

• Houston: The career-driven professional, the culture vulture, the family that thrives on constant activity, and anyone who needs access to an international airport on the regular.
• Moore: The family prioritizing safety and space, the remote worker seeking affordability, the young couple looking to buy their first home without drowning in debt, and retirees who want a quieter pace.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stick?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Houston, but does it actually go further? Let’s break down the cold, hard cash.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Houston’s median income sits at $62,637. Moore’s is a surprising $76,941. Right off the bat, Moore’s residents earn a median of $14,000 more per year. That’s a huge deal. But it’s not the whole story. Houston’s economy is massive and diverse, leading to a wider range of high-paying jobs (think oil execs, engineers, surgeons). However, Moore’s cost of living is so much lower that your dollar stretches significantly further.

The Texas Tax Advantage: Here’s the elephant in the room. Texas has 0% state income tax. Oklahoma has a graduated income tax ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%. For someone earning the Moore median of $76,941, you could be paying around $3,000 - $3,600 annually in state income tax. That’s a direct hit to your purchasing power that you don’t feel in Texas. This is a massive point for Houston.

Cost of Living Breakdown
While Houston has no state income tax, its other costs can bite.

Expense Category	Houston	Moore	The Verdict
Median Home Price	$335,000	$221,750	Moore wins by a landslide. The home price gap is over $113,000.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$773	Moore wins. You save $362/month or $4,344/year on rent alone.
Housing Index	106.5 (Above avg)	78.1 (Below avg)	Moore wins. Houston’s housing is 36.4% more expensive than the national average; Moore’s is significantly cheaper.
Utilities (Est.)	High (AC in summer)	Moderate (HVAC swings)	Moore wins. Houston’s brutal humidity means your AC runs 24/7 for 5 months, leading to staggering summer bills.
Groceries	Moderate	Moderate	Push. Both cities are near the national average.

Insight: If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your take-home is higher due to 0% state income tax, but your housing and utility costs eat into it. In Moore, you might pay state tax, but your mortgage or rent is so much lower that your disposable income could be higher. For the average earner, Moore offers better bang for your buck, especially on housing.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

Houston: A Seller’s Market with Options
Houston’s market is hot but complex. With a median home price of $335,000, it’s accessible compared to coastal cities, but competition is fierce. The lack of zoning means you can find a historic bungalow in Montrose, a sprawling suburban home in Katy, or a modern townhouse downtown. Availability is generally good because the city is so vast, but desirable neighborhoods move fast. It’s a seller’s market, but with patience, buyers can find inventory.

Moore: The First-Time Buyer’s Dream
This is Moore’s knockout punch. At a median home price of $221,750, you’re looking at a home that’s $113,250 cheaper than in Houston. That’s not a small difference; it’s a life-changing amount of money. The market is less cutthroat, and your dollar buys you more square footage and a larger lot. For renters, the sub-$800 rent for a 1-bedroom is virtually unheard of in a major metro area. Moore is a golden opportunity for first-time homebuyers feeling priced out everywhere else.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and it shows. Commutes can easily be 45-90 minutes each way, exacerbated by frequent flooding and accidents. Public transit exists (Metro) but is limited in scope. Car ownership is mandatory.
• Moore: A breeze. You’re likely looking at a 20-30 minute commute to downtown Oklahoma City. Traffic is minimal compared to a major metro. This is a huge quality-of-life win for Moore.

Weather: The Humidity vs. Tornadoes Showdown

• Houston: Brutal. The average temperature may be 59°F, but don’t let that fool you. Summer highs hit 90°F+ with suffocating humidity that feels like a wet blanket. You also have hurricane season (June-Nov) and the occasional flood. Winters are mild but grey and damp.
• Moore: A rollercoaster. With an average of 52°F, Moore has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot but drier than Houston. The real weather dealbreaker? Tornadoes. Moore is in the heart of Tornado Alley and has experienced devastating tornadoes, most notably the 2013 EF5. If storm anxiety is a trigger, this is a major point against Moore.

Crime & Safety

• Houston: The stats are sobering. With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100k, it’s more than double the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood; some areas are perfectly safe, while others face significant challenges.
• Moore: Significantly safer. A violent crime rate of 458.6 per 100k is still above the national average but is nearly half of Houston’s. The suburban, community-focused environment contributes to this. For families, this is a compelling argument.

The Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

After crunching the numbers and living in the data, here’s the final call.

🏆 Winner for Families: Moore
For families prioritizing safety, affordability, and a quieter community vibe, Moore is the clear winner. The lower crime rate, the massive savings on housing (median home $221,750), and the shorter commutes create a stable, manageable environment. The trade-off is fewer big-city amenities and the tornado risk, but for many families, the pros outweigh the cons.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston
If you’re in your 20s or 30s and your career and social life are paramount, Houston is your city. The job market is unparalleled, the food and nightlife are world-class, and the diversity is invigorating. You’ll pay more for rent and deal with traffic, but you’re buying into an ecosystem of opportunity and energy that Moore can’t match.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Moore
This is a tough call, but Moore edges out Houston. The lower cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch further. The quieter pace, easier navigation, and strong sense of community are ideal for retirees. While Houston offers world-class healthcare (the Texas Medical Center), the crime rate and hectic lifestyle can be overwhelming. Moore’s safety and affordability provide a more peaceful, financially sustainable retirement.

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Final Pros & Cons

Houston: The Pros & Cons

✅ PROS

• 0% State Income Tax: A huge financial advantage.
• World-Class Job Market: Unmatched diversity and opportunity in energy, tech, and healthcare.
• Unrivaled Food Scene: From BBQ to Viet-Cajun, it’s a culinary paradise.
• International Hub: IAH and HOU airports offer global connectivity.
• Cultural Diversity: One of the most diverse cities in America.

❌ CONS

• Brutal Weather: Oppressive humidity, flooding, and hurricane risk.
• High Crime Rate: Violent crime is a serious concern (912.4/100k).
• Traffic & Sprawl: Long commutes are the norm.
• Higher Cost of Living: Especially for housing and utilities.

Moore: The Pros & Cons

✅ PROS

• Extreme Affordability: Median home price of $221,750 is life-changing.
• Higher Median Income: $76,941 vs. Houston's $62,637.
• Safer Environment: Violent crime nearly half of Houston's rate.
• Shorter Commutes: Easy access to OKC without the metro chaos.
• Family-Friendly Vibe: Strong schools and community focus.

❌ CONS

• Tornado Risk: Located in a high-risk tornado zone.
• Limited Big-City Amenities: Fewer professional sports, major concerts, or international dining.
• State Income Tax: Oklahoma’s tax will eat into your paycheck.
• Less Diverse: Lacks the cultural melting pot of a major metro.

The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if you’re chasing career growth, urban excitement, and can handle the heat and hustle. Choose Moore if you’re prioritizing financial freedom, safety, and a slower, more stable family life. Your wallet and your weekend plans will thank you.