Redmond vs Houston

Category / Metric	Redmond	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$172,979	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$1,350,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$625	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,864	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	151.5	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.65	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	372.1	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	76.4%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	45	44

Houston vs. Redmond: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

So, you're caught between two worlds. On one side, you've got Houston—a sprawling, energy-packed behemoth of the South. On the other, Redmond—the polished, green-tech oasis of the Pacific Northwest. This isn't just a choice between two addresses; it's a choice between two fundamentally different lifestyles.

Let's be real: the data paints a stark picture. You're not just choosing a city; you're choosing a budget, a commute, a climate, and a community. We're going to break it all down, no sugar-coating. By the end, you'll know exactly which city is your perfect match.

The Vibe Check

Houston is the ultimate "live and let live" megacity. It’s a cultural melting pot with the energy of a rocket launch. The vibe is unpretentious, diverse, and defined by its lack of zoning laws—meaning your favorite taco truck might be next to a high-rise condo. It’s a city of transplants, where your background matters less than your hustle. If you crave anonymity, endless options for food and culture, and a "bigger is better" mentality, Houston is your playground.

Redmond is the opposite. It’s the picture of Pacific Northwest serenity, meticulously planned and surrounded by lush evergreens and lakes. The vibe is quiet, affluent, and deeply integrated with the tech world (hello, Microsoft and Nintendo). It’s family-oriented, with top-tier schools and a focus on outdoor recreation. If you value order, nature, and a tight-knit community feel, Redmond feels like home.

Who is each city for?

• Houston is for the adventurer, the foodie, the culture-seeker, and anyone who wants their paycheck to stretch. It’s for those who don’t mind the heat and traffic in exchange for affordability and scale.
• Redmond is for the established professional, the nature enthusiast, and the family prioritizing education and safety. It’s for those who can afford the premium price tag for a polished, stable environment.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. The data shows a chasm in costs, but also in incomes.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Houston	Redmond	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$1,350,000	4x more expensive in Redmond. This is the single biggest factor.
Avg. Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,864	Redmond rent is ~64% higher. You pay a premium for location.
Housing Index	106.5	151.5	A 42% higher index in Redmond confirms the housing crunch.
Median Income	$62,637	$172,979	Redmond's income is 2.76x higher, but does it cover the cost gap?

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor

Let's do the math. If you earn $100,000 in Houston, your take-home pay after taxes (TX has 0% state income tax) is roughly $77,000. Your biggest expense, housing, is manageable. That $100k feels like serious money here; it’s the definition of "living large" on a middle-class salary.

In Redmond, that same $100,000 salary is a different story. Washington also has 0% state income tax (a rare plus!), but your effective tax rate might be slightly higher due to local levies. More importantly, your housing costs will consume a much larger slice of your pie. That $100k in Redmond feels more like $70k in purchasing power due to the sky-high cost of living.

Insight: Redmond's high median income ($172,979) is a double-edged sword. It means the community is wealthy, but it also drives up prices for everything from groceries to services. In Houston, the lower median income is offset by dramatically lower costs, giving you more bang for your buck.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Bust?

Houston: A Buyer's Market?
With a median home price of $335,000, Houston is one of the last major U.S. cities where homeownership is within reach for the middle class. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. You can find a decent single-family home in a good school district without needing a second mortgage. Renting is also a solid, affordable option. The availability is better, and you have more space for your money.

Redmond: The Seller's Paradise
The Redmond housing market is brutal. A median home price of $1,350,000 is a sticker shock for most. You're competing with tech salaries, investors, and a limited supply of homes in a geographically constrained area. Bidding wars are common, and all-cash offers can be the norm. Renting is the only feasible entry point for many, but even that comes at a premium. The Housing Index of 151.5 tells you you're paying far above the national average for shelter.

Verdict: If buying a home is a top priority, Houston wins by a landslide. Redmond's market is for those with significant capital or high dual incomes.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and the sprawl is real. Average commute times can be 30-45 minutes with heavy traffic. Public transit (Metro) exists but is limited. You will drive, a lot.
• Redmond: Manageable. While part of the Seattle metro area, Redmond itself is smaller and well-planned. Commutes can be congested (especially to Seattle, ~20-30 miles), but local traffic is lighter. Many residents bike or use the extensive trail system.

Weather:

• Houston: Hot and humid. Average temps are 59°F, but that's a misleading annual average. Summers are a brutal 90°F+ with suffocating humidity, and hurricane season is a real threat. Winters are mild but can be damp.
• Redmond: Cool and damp. Average temp is a crisp 48°F. Summers are idyllic (70s-80s, low humidity), but the trade-off is the "Big Dark"—overcast, drizzly skies from October to April. Snow is rare but possible. You'll need a good raincoat and vitamin D.

Crime & Safety:

• Houston: Higher risk. The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100k. While this is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it's a city-wide consideration. Safety varies dramatically by zip code.
• Redmond: Very safe. With a violent crime rate of 372.1 per 100k, it's significantly safer than the national average and Houston. This is a major selling point for families.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?

After crunching the numbers and living the vibe, here’s the decisive breakdown.

Winner for Families: REDMOND
The combination of top-tier schools, exceptionally low crime, and abundant parks makes Redmond the clear choice. The high cost is the trade-off for a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. If you can afford the entry price, it’s hard to beat for raising kids.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: HOUSTON
Your money goes infinitely further. You can afford a nice apartment, explore a world-class food scene, and build a social life without breaking the bank. The career opportunities in energy, healthcare, and tech are vast. It’s a city where you can live well, early in your career.

Winner for Retirees: HOUSTON
This might be surprising, but hear us out. The lower cost of living (especially housing and property taxes) preserves retirement savings. The mild winters are great for those who hate the cold, and the lack of state income tax is a huge plus for retirees on fixed incomes. Redmond's high costs can drain a retirement portfolio quickly.

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Houston

Pros:

• Affordable Housing: Median home price $335k is a national bargain.
• No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.
• Cultural & Culinary Diversity: Unmatched food scene and global culture.
• Economic Powerhouse: Massive job market in multiple industries.
• Mild Winters: Escape the snow and ice.

Cons:

• Brutal Humidity & Heat: Summers are oppressive.
• Traffic & Sprawl: Long commutes are the norm.
• Higher Crime Rate: Requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Car Dependency: Public transit is limited.
• Hurricane Risk: Seasonal storm threat.

Redmond

Pros:

• Extremely Safe: Low violent crime rate.
• Top-Tier Schools: Excellent public education system.
• Natural Beauty: Access to lakes, forests, and mountains.
• Strong Economy: Proximity to tech giants (Microsoft, Amazon).
• Clean & Planned: Well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing.

Cons:

• Astronomical Housing Costs: Median home $1.35M is prohibitive.
• High Cost of Living: Everything from groceries to services is pricey.
• The "Big Dark": Long, gloomy, rainy season can affect mood.
• Competitive Market: A tough place to break in without a high income.
• Less Cultural Diversity: More homogeneous than major metro areas.

The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if you prioritize affordability, career growth, and cultural vibrancy. Choose Redmond if you prioritize safety, education, and natural beauty, and have the income to support the premium lifestyle.