đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Roswell and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Roswell vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Roswell | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $119,657 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $648,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,643 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 110.9 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 99.8 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 400.7 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | — | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 27 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Roswell: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
By: Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist
Let's cut to the chase. You're staring at two wildly different cities. On one side, you have Houston—a sprawling, energy-fueled metropolis where the skyline pierces the humid Gulf Coast air. On the other, you have Roswell—a high-desert jewel in New Mexico, known for its alien lore, artsy vibe, and breathtaking landscapes. Choosing between them isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing a lifestyle.
Are you craving the anonymity and opportunity of a mega-city, or the tight-knit community and wide-open skies of a smaller town? Do you want to trade traffic jams for dusty trails? This head-to-head won't just list facts—it'll tell you where you'll be happier, safer, and richer. Let's dive in.
1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
Houston is the definition of "big." It's a sprawling, diverse, and relentless engine of industry. The culture here is a gumbo—Tex-Mex, international cuisine, world-class museums, and a live music scene that's gritty and authentic. It's a city for those who want endless options: every type of food, every hobby, every career path. The vibe is fast-paced, ambitious, and unpretentious. If you love the energy of a major metro but don't need the coastal price tag of NYC or LA, Houston is your playground.
Roswell is the antithesis of the concrete jungle. It's a high-desert town where the pace slows down, and the sky seems to stretch forever. The vibe is quirky, artistic, and deeply connected to nature. Yes, there's the famous UFO crash, but the real draw is the outdoor lifestyle—hiking, biking, and stargazing are part of the daily routine. It's a place for creatives, retirees, and anyone seeking a strong sense of community. Think "artsy small town with a side of cosmic mystery."
Who is each city for?
- Houston is for the ambitious professional, the foodie, the family that wants access to everything, and anyone who thrives on urban energy.
- Roswell is for the outdoor enthusiast, the artist, the retiree seeking peace and beauty, and the remote worker looking for a high quality of life without the big-city chaos.
2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the story gets interesting, and the data reveals a surprising twist. While Houston is a major city and Roswell is a small town, the cost of living isn't a simple "city equals expensive" equation. Let's break it down.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Houston | Roswell | The Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $648,000 | Sticker shock in Roswell. Houston's housing is nearly half the price. |
| 1BR Rent (Avg) | $1,135 | $1,643 | Houston wins for renters. Roswell's rent is 45% higher. |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 110.9 | Both are above the national average (100), but Roswell's is slightly higher. |
| Median Income | $62,637 | $119,657 | The plot twist. Roswell's median income is nearly double Houston's. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here's the critical analysis. If you earn $100,000 in Houston, you're in a high-earning bracket where your money goes far, especially on housing. The median income is $62,637, so a six-figure salary here gives you significant purchasing power. You can afford a nice home, a new car, and plenty of dining out.
Now, imagine earning $100,000 in Roswell. With a median income of $119,657, you're in the middle of the pack. That same salary won't stretch as far, especially with housing costs being so high. Your $100k in Houston feels like $130k in Roswell when it comes to buying a home. However, Roswell's higher median income suggests a more affluent population, likely due to a mix of remote workers, retirees with pensions, and professionals in specialized fields.
The Tax Factor: This is Houston's secret weapon. Texas has 0% state income tax. New Mexico has a progressive income tax, ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. For a high earner, this is a massive deal. That's an immediate 5.9%+ boost to your take-home pay in Houston. Combine that with lower housing costs, and Houston is the clear financial winner for most people.
VERDICT: The Dollar Power
Houston is the undisputed champion for affordability and purchasing power. The combination of lower housing costs and zero state income tax means your money simply goes further. Roswell's higher median income is impressive, but it's offset by steep housing prices and state taxes.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston:
- Market Status: A buyer's market with high inventory. You have options and leverage. New construction is constant, keeping prices competitive.
- Buy vs. Rent: With a median home price of $335,000, buying is a realistic goal for many middle-class families. Renting is affordable and a great way to explore neighborhoods before committing.
- The Trade-off: You get more square footage for your dollar, but you'll likely deal with a longer commute if you want a large lot in the suburbs.
Roswell:
- Market Status: A seller's market with limited inventory. There's high demand for the desirable, scenic properties, and prices reflect that. Bidding wars aren't uncommon for prime locations.
- Buy vs. Rent: The median home price of $648,000 is a high barrier to entry. Renting is also expensive, and the rental market is tight. This is a market for those with significant capital or who are relocating with a high-paying remote job.
- The Trade-off: You pay a premium for the location, views, and lifestyle. It's an investment in quality of life, not just a roof over your head.
VERDICT: The Housing Market
Houston wins for accessibility and choice. It's a market where you can realistically find a home without breaking the bank. Roswell is a premium, niche market for those with deeper pockets who prioritize lifestyle over budget.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference reigns supreme. Let's look at the hard truths.
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and the traffic is relentless. The average commute is 27 minutes, but that can easily double during rush hour. Public transit exists (MetroRail) but is limited. You will spend time in your car.
- Roswell: Non-existent. You can cross town in 15 minutes, even during "rush hour." The biggest inconvenience is a slow-moving tractor on the road. This is a massive quality-of-life win for Roswell.
Weather
- Houston: Brutal humidity. The average temperature is 59°F, but that's misleading. Summers are long, hot, and oppressive (regularly 90°F+ with high humidity). Winters are mild but can be rainy. You trade snow for swampy heat.
- Roswell: High-desert perfection. The average temperature is 52°F, but it's a dry heat. Summers are hot (often 90°F+) but manageable due to low humidity. Winters are cool with occasional snow, but nothing like the Midwest. The sunshine is abundant, and the air is crisp. For most, Roswell's weather is more pleasant year-round.
Crime & Safety
- Houston: The Hard Truth. The violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. Like any major city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must be diligent about where you live.
- Roswell: Significantly Safer. The violent crime rate is 400.7 per 100,000. While still above the national average (which is around 380), it's less than half of Houston's rate. The small-town feel generally translates to a safer environment, though property crime can occur.
VERDICT: The Dealbreakers
Roswell wins decisively on traffic, weather (for those who hate humidity), and safety. Houston wins if you crave four seasons (albeit mild ones) and are willing to navigate traffic for urban amenities. If safety is your top priority, Roswell is the clear choice.
5. The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?
After weighing the data and the lifestyle factors, here’s the final call.
🏆 Winner for Families: Houston. The combination of lower housing costs, a vast array of schools (including top-tier districts like Katy and Sugar Land), endless family activities (museums, zoos, parks), and zero state income tax makes it the more practical and affordable choice for raising kids. The trade-off is traffic and safety concerns that require careful neighborhood selection.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston. The job market is immense and diverse (energy, healthcare, tech, shipping). The social scene is vibrant, with endless options for networking, dining, and nightlife. The lower cost of living allows a young professional to build wealth faster than in most other major U.S. cities. Roswell could be a great fit for a remote worker seeking a creative community, but Houston offers more traditional career growth.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Roswell. This is a no-brunner. The slower pace, stunning natural beauty, excellent weather (dry heat is easier on joints than humid heat), and strong sense of community are tailor-made for retirement. While the cost of living is high, retirees often have housing equity or pensions to leverage. The lower crime rate and lack of traffic contribute to a peaceful, stress-free retirement.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Houston: The Urban Powerhouse
Pros:
- Unbeatable Affordability for a major metro.
- 0% State Income Tax boosts your take-home pay.
- Massive Job Market across multiple industries.
- World-Class Dining & Culture (museums, theater, sports).
- Diverse Neighborhoods with unique characters.
Cons:
- Brutal Humid Summers can be oppressive.
- Notorious Traffic and long commutes.
- Higher Violent Crime Rate requires careful neighborhood selection.
- Sprawling Geography can feel impersonal.
Roswell: The Desert Oasis
Pros:
- Stunning Natural Beauty and endless outdoor recreation.
- Significantly Safer than Houston.
- No Traffic Jams—ever.
- Pleasant, Dry Climate with four distinct seasons.
- Tight-Knit, Artsy Community with a unique identity.
Cons:
- High Housing Costs (both to buy and rent).
- Limited Job Market outside of remote work or specific sectors.
- Higher State Income Tax in New Mexico.
- Isolation—it's a long drive to a major airport or big-city amenities.
- Limited Diversity compared to Houston.
The Bottom Line
If your priority is financial mobility, career opportunities, and urban energy, Houston is your winner. It’s a place where you can build a life with room to grow, without the crushing price tag of coastal cities.
If your priority is safety, natural beauty, a slower pace, and a sense of community, Roswell is your sanctuary. It’s a place you choose for the quality of life, accepting the higher cost and limited job market as the price for peace and stunning scenery.
Choose wisely—and pack accordingly. You'll need sunscreen in both, but only in Houston will you need an umbrella for the sudden downpour.