Peoria vs Houston

Category / Metric	Peoria	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$52,796	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.4%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$145,500	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$96	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$756	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	57.8	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.5	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	425.6	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	38.8%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	44

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

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Houston vs. Peoria: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Do you want the electric, sprawling energy of a major coastal metro, or the grounded, affordable charm of a Midwestern heartland city? Today, we’re pitting two heavy hitters (of vastly different weights) against each other: Houston, Texas and Peoria, Illinois.

This isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it's about the vibe, the wallet, and your daily grind. Let’s dive in and see which city truly deserves your next chapter.

The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. Big Chill

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the U.S., and it wears that badge with pride. It’s a sprawling, diverse metropolis where world-class museums sit blocks away from NASA, and the restaurant scene is a global culinary tour. The vibe here is ambitious, fast-paced, and unapologetically big. It’s a city of transplants—people chasing careers in energy, healthcare, and tech. You’ll find a buzz here that you just don’t get in smaller markets. It’s for the hustler, the explorer, and anyone who thrives on the energy of a crowd.

Peoria is the quintessential Midwestern gem. It’s a city of 113,442 where the pace is slower, the community is tighter, and the cost of living is a breath of fresh air. Home to the Caterpillar headquarters and a deep history of manufacturing, Peoria is all about practicality and stability. It’s less about flashy trends and more about solid fundamentals: good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a river that runs through it. It’s for the family looking for space, the retiree wanting peace, or the remote worker who can tap into a major metro’s vibe without the price tag.

Verdict: If you crave the anonymity and endless options of a big city, Houston is your pick. If you value community, familiarity, and a slower pace, Peoria wins the vibe check.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. A salary that feels comfortable in one city might leave you scrambling in another. Let’s break down the purchasing power.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Houston	Peoria	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$145,500	Peoria is 56% cheaper. This is the biggest gap.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$756	Peoria is 33% cheaper. Significant monthly savings.
Housing Index	106.5	57.8	Peoria’s index is 45% lower than Houston’s.
Median Income	$62,637	$52,796	Houston pays more, but does it go further?

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s imagine you’re earning $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like more?

In Houston, your $100k is subject to 0% state income tax—a massive plus. However, you’re battling a housing market that’s 45% more expensive on the index. Your money goes toward higher rent or a pricier mortgage, and utilities (especially AC in the summer) can be steep. You’ll have more spending money for entertainment and dining out, but your housing chunk is larger.

In Peoria, your $100k has to contend with a 4.95% state income tax. That’s a direct hit of about $4,950 off the top. But the flip side is staggering: your housing costs are less than half of Houston’s. A median home in Peoria is $145,500 vs. Houston’s $335,000. Your mortgage payment could be $600-$800 less per month. After taxes and housing, your disposable income in Peoria might actually be higher. You’re trading tax dollars for dramatically lower living costs.

Verdict: For pure purchasing power, especially if you’re a homeowner, Peoria delivers more bang for your buck. You sacrifice state income tax, but you gain massive savings on housing. Houston offers higher wages and no state tax, but the cost of living eats into that advantage quickly.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent Dynamics

Houston is a competitive seller’s market. With a population of 2.3 million and constant growth, demand is high. While inventory is better than in places like Austin or San Francisco, finding a move-in ready home under $300k in a desirable area is tough. Renters face competition, especially for modern apartments in popular neighborhoods like Midtown or the Heights. The market is liquid but fast.

Peoria is a buyer’s market. With a stable, slowly growing population of 113k, inventory is plentiful. You can find charming historic homes, solid ranches, and new constructions without a bidding war. The $145,500 median price means you can often get more house for your money—think a larger lot, an extra bedroom, or a garage. For renters, the market is soft; you have negotiating power and plenty of options.

Verdict: Peoria is the clear winner for buyers and renters seeking affordability and less competition. Houston requires a bigger budget and more hustle to secure a home.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and the sprawl is real. The average commute can easily be 30-45 minutes, and rush hour traffic on I-45 or the 610 Loop is legendary. Public transit exists but is limited.
• Peoria: A breeze. You can cross the city in 15-20 minutes. Traffic jams are rare. The commute is short, predictable, and stress-free.

Winner: Peoria. By a landslide.

Weather

• Houston: 59°F average is misleading. It’s a city of extremes. Summers are brutal and humid, with 90°F+ days lasting for months. Winters are mild but can be rainy. Hurricane season is a real threat.
• Peoria: 27°F average tells the story. Winters are cold, with snow and ice. Summers are warm and pleasant. You get four distinct seasons, but you must be prepared for winter.

Winner: It’s a tie. It depends on your preference. Hate humidity and hurricanes? Choose Peoria. Hate shoveling snow and freezing temps? Choose Houston.

Crime & Safety

• Houston: With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100k, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Like any major city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Research is crucial.
• Peoria: Violent crime rate of 425.6 per 100k. This is closer to the national average and roughly half of Houston’s rate. Generally perceived as safer, with lower crime in most residential areas.

Winner: Peoria. The data speaks for itself—it’s a statistically safer city.

The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.

Houston: The Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No state income tax keeps more of your paycheck.
• Diverse economy with jobs in energy, healthcare, and tech.
• World-class dining, culture, and entertainment.
• International airport with direct flights everywhere.
• Diverse neighborhoods with unique characters.

Cons:

• High cost of living (especially housing).
• Brutal, humid summers and hurricane risk.
• Heavy traffic and long commutes.
• Higher crime rates in many areas.
• Sprawling geography can feel isolating.

Peoria: The Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely affordable housing and cost of living.
• Short commutes and minimal traffic.
• Safer than Houston by a significant margin.
• Strong sense of community and Midwest charm.
• Four distinct seasons with pleasant summers.

Cons:

• State income tax (4.95%).
• Limited cultural/diversity compared to a major metro.
• Colder winters with snow and ice.
• Smaller job market (dominated by healthcare and manufacturing).
• Fewer direct flight options.

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The Ultimate Winners:

• Winner for Families: Peoria. The combination of affordable homes (median $145,500), safer neighborhoods, short commutes, and good schools makes it an ideal environment for raising kids without the financial strain.
• Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Houston. The career opportunities, nightlife, diversity, and energy of a major city are unparalleled. You pay more, but you gain access to a world of experiences and networking that a smaller city can’t match.
• Winner for Retirees: Peoria. With a lower cost of living, safer streets, manageable traffic, and a slower pace of life, your retirement dollars stretch much further here. The four seasons offer variety, and the community feel is perfect for a relaxed retirement.

The Bottom Line:
Choose Houston if you’re chasing career growth, cultural diversity, and the electric energy of a major city, and you have the budget to handle it.
Choose Peoria if you prioritize affordability, safety, work-life balance, and a tight-knit community, and you’re willing to trade state income tax for dramatically lower living costs.

Your choice isn’t just about a zip code—it’s about the life you want to live. Choose wisely.