Category / Metric	Somerville	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$126,619	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	4.7%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$905,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$631	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,064	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	148.2	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.83	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	234.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	69.9%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	44

Houston vs. Somerville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re trying to decide between two wildly different American cities: Houston, Texas, and Somerville, Massachusetts. On the surface, this isn’t just a choice between two places to live; it’s a choice between two entirely different lifestyles, climates, and financial realities. One is a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis with zero state income tax and a legendary food scene. The other is a dense, historic, and walkable city just across the Charles River from Boston, steeped in New England charm and academic rigor.

Whether you’re a young professional hunting for career opportunities, a family looking for the perfect school district, or a retiree seeking a change of pace, the data tells a compelling story. But data alone doesn’t capture the feel of a place. Let’s break it down, category by category, to see which city truly wins your heart (and your wallet).

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

Houston: The Unstoppable Energy
Think of Houston as the ultimate chameleon. It’s a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, fueled by the energy sector, a world-class medical center, and NASA. The vibe here is unpretentious and diverse. You’ll find world-class museums next to legendary taco trucks, and the nightlife spans from upscale downtown lounges to honky-tonk bars. It’s a car-centric city, and the sprawl is real. Life moves at a fast, ambitious pace, but it’s balanced with a distinct Southern hospitality. It’s for the go-getter who wants big-city amenities without the East Coast formality.

Somerville: The Urban Village
Somerville is the definition of a "neighborhood city." With a population of just over 80,000 packed into 4.2 square miles, it feels like a collection of vibrant, walkable villages (Davis Square, Union Square, Ball Square). The vibe is intellectual, progressive, and deeply community-focused. It’s a haven for artists, academics, and young families who want the perks of Boston—world-class hospitals, universities, and culture—without the downtown price tag (though it’s still very pricey). Life here is lived on the sidewalk, in coffee shops, and at local breweries. It’s for those who value walkability, history, and a tight-knit community feel.

Verdict:

For the sprawling, diverse, and car-dependent lifestyle: Houston
For the walkable, historic, and community-centric lifestyle: Somerville

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s get straight to the numbers.

Cost of Living Table

Category	Houston, TX	Somerville, MA	Winner
Median Home Price	$335,000	$905,000	Houston (by a landslide)
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$2,064	Houston
Housing Index	106.5	148.2	Houston
Median Income	$62,637	$126,619	Somerville
State Income Tax	0%	5.0% (Massachusetts)	Houston

The Salary Wars: Where Does Your $100k Feel Like More?
Let’s play a game. Imagine you earn a $100,000 salary. In Houston, that $100k is your take-home pay (no state income tax). In Somerville, Massachusetts will take a 5% cut, leaving you with about $95,000 before federal taxes.

But the real story is your purchasing power.

In Houston, your $100k income paired with a median home price of $335,000 means you’re in a strong position to buy a home. The mortgage on a median house is manageable, and your monthly rent of $1,135 for a 1-bedroom apartment leaves plenty of room in your budget for savings, dining out, and entertainment. Your dollar stretches incredibly far.
In Somerville, your $95k (after state tax) is competing in a market where the median home price is $905,000. That’s a staggering 2.7x more expensive than Houston. Rent is also nearly double. While the median income is higher, it doesn’t come close to offsetting the brutal cost of housing. You’ll have a much tighter budget and likely need roommates or a dual-income household to live comfortably.

Insight: The "sticker shock" in Somerville is real. Houston offers the kind of financial freedom where a six-figure salary feels like true wealth. In Somerville, that same salary makes you middle-class, struggling to enter the housing market.

Verdict: Houston is the undisputed champion of purchasing power and financial flexibility.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston: A Market of Opportunity (and Competition)
Houston’s housing market is massive and diverse. You can find a sprawling suburban home with a yard, a modern downtown loft, or a charming historic bungalow. The median home price of $335,000 is accessible for many, especially compared to national averages. However, it’s a seller’s market with high demand, especially for well-priced homes. The sheer size of the city means inventory is always moving, but desirable neighborhoods can move fast. Renting is a viable and affordable long-term option for many.

Somerville: The Ultimate Seller’s Market
Somerville’s housing market is a different beast entirely. With a tiny footprint and immense demand (thanks to its proximity to Boston), the inventory is critically low. The median home price of $905,000 is out of reach for most individuals without significant savings or family help. This is a fiercely competitive seller’s market. Bidding wars are common, and homes often sell for well above asking price. Renting is the default for most young professionals and families, but even that is expensive and competitive.

Verdict:

For buying a home on a median salary: Houston
For the long-term renter who wants stability: Houston (more affordable and less competitive)
For the high-earner with significant capital: Somerville (if you can afford it, it’s a solid investment)

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Houston: The commute is defined by cars and traffic. The city is built for driving, and while public transit exists (MetroRail, buses), it’s not as comprehensive as in older cities. Average commute times can be long, but the sprawl also means you can often live closer to work in a more affordable area. Traffic is a major source of stress.

Somerville: This is a walker’s paradise. Most residents don’t need a car for daily life. The MBTA (public transit) is robust, with subway (the "T") and bus lines connecting you easily to Boston and surrounding areas. Commutes are short and active. The trade-off? You’re in a dense urban environment, and while you avoid highway traffic, street parking is a nightmare if you own a car.

Winner for Commute: Somerville (if you hate driving)

Weather

Houston: Welcome to humidity. Summers are long, hot, and oppressively humid, with average highs in the 90s°F and a "feels like" temperature much higher. Winters are mild, with average lows around 59°F. You’ll deal with hurricane season, but you’ll never shovel snow.

Somerville: Classic New England. Four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant (highs in the 80s°F). Winters are cold and snowy, with average lows dipping to 48°F in January, but reality is often much colder. You’ll own a heavy coat, a shovel, and a pair of good boots. Fall is spectacular.

Winner for Weather: Subjective.

Prefer sunshine and hate snow? Houston
Prefer seasonal changes and can handle cold? Somerville

Crime & Safety

This is a critical and nuanced category. The data provided is for violent crime rates per 100,000 residents.

Houston: 912.4/100k
Somerville: 234.0/100k

The numbers are stark. Somerville’s violent crime rate is significantly lower, reflecting its smaller, denser, and more affluent population. Houston, as a massive, sprawling city, has higher crime rates overall, though these rates vary dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas of Houston are extremely safe, while others struggle with crime. It’s essential to research specific neighborhoods in Houston.

Verdict: Somerville is statistically safer. However, Houston’s safety is highly dependent on your choice of neighborhood.

The Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final showdown verdict.

Winner for Families: Houston

Why: The math is undeniable. For a family needing space, a backyard, and a good school district, Houston offers far more bang for your buck. You can buy a family home for $335,000 (median), whereas in Somerville, that gets you a tiny condo or nothing at all. The public school systems in Houston’s suburbs (like Katy, The Woodlands) are highly rated, and the city’s diversity is a huge plus for kids. The trade-off is the car-centric life and the heat, but for many families, the financial breathing room is a dealbreaker.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Somerville

Why: If you’re in your 20s or 30s and value an active, social, and walkable lifestyle, Somerville is hard to beat. You’re minutes from Boston’s incredible job market (especially in tech, biotech, and academia), and you can live without a car. The social scene is vibrant, intellectual, and community-driven. Yes, you’ll pay a premium in rent ($2,064 for a 1BR), but for many young professionals, the access to culture, networking, and a dynamic urban environment is worth the cost. Houston offers a similar professional scene but requires a car and a different social style.

Winner for Retirees: Houston

Why: Financial security in retirement is paramount. Houston’s lack of state income tax is a massive advantage for those on a fixed income. The median home price is manageable, and the weather, while humid, means you can golf or garden year-round. The city has world-class healthcare (the Texas Medical Center is the largest in the world) and a plethora of cultural activities. For retirees who want to stretch their savings while enjoying big-city amenities, Houston is a compelling choice. Somerville’s high cost of living and harsh winters can be challenging on a fixed budget.

Final Pros & Cons List

Houston: Pros & Cons

Pros:

Massive purchasing power and lower cost of living.
No state income tax, a huge financial win.
Diverse and world-class food scene.
Major job market in energy, healthcare, and tech.
Mild winters and sunny days year-round.
Spacious housing and yards.

Cons:

Extreme summer heat and humidity.
Car-dependent lifestyle and long commutes.
Higher violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood).
Sprawling, less walkable urban design.
Hurricane season risk.

Somerville: Pros & Cons