📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Portsmouth and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Portsmouth vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Portsmouth | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $105,756 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $560 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,582 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 148.2 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 104.7 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 146.4 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 63.4% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 37 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Portsmouth: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
By: Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist
So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Houston—the sprawling, sun-drenched energy capital of Texas, a city of big dreams and even bigger portions. On the other, you have Portsmouth—the historic, coastal gem of New Hampshire, where colonial charm meets modern affluence.
This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two entirely different worlds. Are you ready for the fast-paced hustle of a major metro, or do you crave the tight-knit, walkable vibe of a coastal town? Let's dive deep, crunch the numbers, and help you decide where to plant your roots.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
Let's get real about the feel of these places.
Houston is a beast of a city. It's the fourth-largest in the U.S., and it sprawls. The vibe is diverse, energetic, and unapologetically big. It's a place where you can find world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from BBQ to Viet-Cajun), and a booming job market, all under a vast Texas sky. The culture is a melting pot—no single neighborhood defines the city. It's for the go-getter who wants endless options and opportunities, and who doesn't mind a bit of sprawl and traffic to get it.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, is the definition of a "place with a sense of place." It's a historic seaport with a population that's a fraction of Houston's. The vibe is walkable, quaint, and distinctly New England. Think cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, a bustling harbor, and a strong community feel. It's a city where you know your local barista and can walk to dinner. It's for someone who values history, community, and the ocean over endless urban sprawl.
Who is each city for?
- Houston is for the career-driven professional, the foodie, the culture enthusiast, and anyone who values diversity and wants to be in the heart of a major economic engine.
- Portsmouth is for the coastal lover, the history buff, the outdoor enthusiast (hiking, skiing), and those who prioritize a tight-knit community and a slower pace of life.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. The numbers tell a fascinating story. The data snapshot gives us key figures, but let's put them in context.
Cost of Living: The Headline Numbers
First, a crucial note: The data provided uses a base index. A higher number means a higher cost of living. Portland's 148.2 is significantly higher than Houston's 106.5. But let's break down the essentials.
| Category | Houston, TX | Portsmouth, NH | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $875,000 | This is the sticker shock. Portsmouth's housing is 2.6x more expensive than Houston's. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $1,582 | A $447/month difference. Over a year, that's $5,364 extra in Portsmouth. |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 148.2 | Confirms the trend: Portsmouth's housing market is in a different league. |
| Median Income | $62,637 | $105,756 | The plot thickens. Portsmouth residents earn 69% more on average. |
Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle
Here's the million-dollar question: If you earn $100,000, where does your money feel like it goes further?
Let's do a quick, rough math. We'll adjust for the cost of living index (a standard benchmark). The national average is 100.
- In Houston (Index 106.5): Your $100,000 salary is equivalent to about $93,900 nationally. You have slightly less purchasing power than the national average, but it's manageable.
- In Portsmouth (Index 148.2): Your $100,000 salary is equivalent to about $67,500 nationally. Your money gets stretched much thinner.
But wait—there's a tax twist! This is a massive dealbreaker. Texas has 0% state income tax. New Hampshire has 0% on earned income but taxes interest and dividends (though this is being phased out). Both are relatively tax-friendly states compared to places like California or New York. However, Texas makes up for it with higher property taxes. New Hampshire also has high property taxes. It's a wash in the end, but the income tax advantage is a huge win for Houston if you're coming from a high-tax state.
Verdict on Purchasing Power: If you earn the city's median income, Houston offers significantly better affordability. The gap between the median home price and the median income in Houston is much more manageable. In Portsmouth, even with a high income, the housing costs are a massive burden.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston: The market is competitive, but it's a buyer's market in many areas compared to national trends. With a median home price of $335,000, you get a lot of square footage for your money, especially in the suburbs. The sprawl means more inventory. Renting is a viable, affordable option, with $1,135 for a 1BR being quite reasonable for a major metro.
Portsmouth: This is a seller's market, and a fierce one. The median home price of $875,000 is astronomical for a small city. Inventory is low, competition is high, and bidding wars are common. Renting isn't a cheap escape either, with $1,582 for a 1BR. You're paying a premium for the location, the history, and the coastal lifestyle. If you're looking to buy here, you need deep pockets or a very high income.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and the highways (like the 610 Loop and I-45) are notorious for congestion. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes each way. Public transit exists (Metro) but is limited. A car is a non-negotiable necessity.
- Portsmouth: Minimal. This is a walkable city. Most daily errands can be done on foot or a short bike ride. A car is useful for trips to nearby beaches or hiking, but you don't need one to survive day-to-day. Commute stress is virtually non-existent.
Weather: The Great Divide
- Houston: Hot and humid. The average temperature is 59.0°F, but that's misleading. Summers are brutal, with highs routinely in the 90s and oppressive humidity. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing). You trade snow for sweat.
- Portsmouth: Cold and snowy. The average temperature is 49.0°F, and that reflects a full four-season climate. Winters are real, with snowfall and cold spells. Summers are beautiful and mild. You trade humidity for shoveling snow.
Crime & Safety
- Houston: A significant concern. The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000. This is nearly 6.5 times higher than Portsmouth's rate. While crime varies wildly by neighborhood, this is a city-wide stat that can't be ignored. Researching specific areas is crucial.
- Portsmouth: Extremely safe. With a violent crime rate of 146.4 per 100,000, it's one of the safer cities in the U.S. This is a major selling point for families and retirees.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins?
After weighing the data, the costs, and the lifestyle, here are the clear winners for different life stages.
🏆 Winner for Families: Houston
- Why? The math is undeniable. A family can afford a larger home in a good school district for $335,000 vs. $875,000. The cultural diversity, endless kid-friendly activities (museums, zoos, parks), and access to jobs provide a stable foundation. The trade-off is traffic and a higher crime rate, which requires research and vigilance.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Portsmouth
- Why? If you can land a job that pays close to the median income ($105,756), the lifestyle is unbeatable. The walkability, vibrant social scene, and proximity to nature (beaches, mountains) offer an incredible quality of life. The high cost is the barrier, but for those who can swing it, it's a more engaging and less stressful environment than Houston's sprawl.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Portsmouth
- Why? Safety is the paramount concern, and Portsmouth's low crime rate is a clear winner. The walkability means you can stay active without relying on a car. The natural beauty and four seasons are ideal for an active retirement. While Houston's mild winters are appealing, the heat and humidity can be challenging for older adults, and the high crime rate is a persistent worry.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Houston, TX
PROS:
- ✅ Affordable Housing for a major metro.
- ✅ 0% State Income Tax boosts your take-home pay.
- ✅ World-Class Job Market in energy, healthcare, and tech.
- ✅ Incredible Food & Cultural Scene (diverse, endless options).
- ✅ Mild Winters (no shoveling snow).
CONS:
- ❌ High Violent Crime Rate (requires careful neighborhood selection).
- ❌ Brutal Summer Heat & Humidity (can be oppressive).
- ❌ Nasty Traffic & Long Commutes (car-dependent).
- ❌ Urban Sprawl (lacks a cohesive downtown feel).
Portsmouth, NH
PROS:
- ✅ Extremely Low Crime (one of the safest cities in the nation).
- ✅ Walkable & Charming (historic, coastal, community-oriented).
- ✅ Access to Nature (beaches, hiking, skiing are close by).
- ✅ High Median Income (strong local economy).
- ✅ Four Beautiful Seasons (especially fall and summer).
CONS:
- ❌ Sky-High Housing Costs (median home price is $875,000).
- ❌ Harsh Winters (snow, cold, and ice are a reality).
- ❌ Limited Inventory (very competitive housing market).
- ❌ Higher Cost of Living overall (groceries, services).
- ❌ Smaller Job Market (commuting to Boston or remote work may be needed).
The Bottom Line:
Choose Houston if your priority is affordability, career opportunities, and a diverse, fast-paced urban experience, and you can handle the heat and traffic.
Choose Portsmouth if your priority is safety, community, a walkable coastal lifestyle, and you have the financial means to afford a premium for quality of life.