đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Sunrise Manor CDP and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Sunrise Manor CDP vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
Candidate A
Sunrise Manor CDP
NV
Cost Index 97.4
Median Income $52k
Rent (1BR) $1314
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Sunrise Manor CDP | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $52,496 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $329,700 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,314 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 116.1 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.6 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 460.3 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 14.6% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 54 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Sunrise Manor CDP: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
So, you're standing at a crossroads, looking at two vastly different American landscapes. On one side, you have Houston, Texas—a sprawling, humid, energy-packed metropolis where everything feels bigger. On the other, you have Sunrise Manor, Nevada—a quiet, unincorporated community nestled in the Mojave Desert, just outside the neon glow of Las Vegas.
This isn't just a choice between a big city and a suburb; it's a choice between two fundamentally different ways of life. One is a global powerhouse with a small-town heart. The other is a residential haven where the desert sun sets the pace.
Let’s break it down, head-to-head, to see which one earns a one-way ticket for your life.
The Vibe Check: Where Would You Fit In?
Houston is the definition of a "grab life by the horns" city. It’s a massive, humid, and endlessly diverse cultural hub. Think world-class museums, a food scene that’s the envy of the nation (Tex-Mex, Viet-Cajun, you name it), and a population of 2.3 million that feels like a million different neighborhoods in one. The vibe is fast-paced, friendly, and fiercely proud. It’s a city for people who want access to everything—major sports, Fortune 500 headquarters, and a nonstop calendar of events—without the extreme price tag of coastal metros. The humidity is a real character here; it’s a warm, sticky hug that lasts from May to October.
Sunrise Manor CDP is the antithesis of hustle. It’s a quiet, residential community of about 213,000 people, living in the shadow of the Spring Mountains. The vibe is laid-back, suburban, and focused on family and value. You’re not moving here for the nightlife; you’re moving here for the accessibility to Las Vegas when you want it and the peace when you don’t. The culture is heavily influenced by the nearby entertainment capital, but Sunrise Manor itself is a place of strip malls, parks, and single-family homes. The weather is dry, with hot summers and mild winters—think more "dry heat" than "Texas swamp."
Who is each city for?
- Houston is for the ambitious, the foodie, the family looking for a big-city education and cultural exposure, and anyone who wants a low cost of living paired with high energy.
- Sunrise Manor is for the budget-conscious, the retiree, the remote worker who loves the desert, and the family that wants a safe, quiet home base with access to world-class entertainment 20 minutes away.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?
This is where the rubber meets the road. We need to talk about purchasing power—what your salary actually feels like on the ground. Let’s compare the essentials.
Cost of Living Table
| Category | Houston | Sunrise Manor CDP | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $329,700 | Sunrise Manor (Slightly) |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $1,314 | Houston |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 116.1 | Houston |
| Median Income | $62,637 | $52,496 | Houston |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 0% | Tie |
The Salary Wars & Tax Talk
Here’s the deal: both Texas and Nevada are tax-friendly states with no state income tax. That’s a massive win for your take-home pay compared to places like California or New York. However, the real story is in the median income gap. Houston’s median household income is nearly $10,000 higher than Sunrise Manor’s. When you combine that with Houston’s lower rent and slightly lower housing index, your paycheck goes significantly further in Houston.
Let’s run the numbers. If you earn $100,000 in both cities:
- In Houston, you’re earning 60% above the median, giving you substantial purchasing power. Your rent is $179 cheaper per month than in Sunrise Manor, saving you over $2,100 a year just on housing.
- In Sunrise Manor, you’re earning 90% above the median, which is great, but the cost of living, especially rent, eats into that advantage faster. You’re also competing in a tighter housing market (higher housing index).
Verdict on Dollar Power: While both cities offer tax advantages, Houston is the clear winner for purchasing power. You earn more, and your housing costs (especially rent) are lower. You get more bang for your buck in America’s fourth-largest city.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
Houston is a buyer’s market with a vengeance. With a housing index of 106.5 and a median home price of $335,000, it’s one of the most affordable major metros in the country. Inventory is generally good, and while prices have risen, they haven’t exploded like in coastal cities. You have room to negotiate. The downside? Property taxes in Texas are notoriously high (often 2-3% of home value), which can add hundreds to your monthly mortgage payment. Renting is a strong, affordable option here, with plenty of inventory.
Sunrise Manor is a tighter seller’s market. Its housing index of 116.1 is higher than Houston’s, meaning home prices are less affordable relative to local incomes. The median home price is nearly identical ($329,700), but with a lower median income, it’s a bigger stretch for locals. Competition can be fiercer for well-priced homes. Renting is also more expensive here, as shown in the table. You’re paying a premium for the Vegas-adjacent location and the perceived safety of the area.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking to buy, Houston offers more house for your money and a less competitive landscape. If you’re looking to rent, Houston is also the more budget-friendly choice. Sunrise Manor’s housing market is a tougher nut to crack unless you’re bringing a larger down payment or a higher salary.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference reigns supreme.
Traffic & Commute:
- Houston: Infamous. The city is geographically massive, and public transit (Metro) is limited. The average commute is 28 minutes, but in rush hour, it can feel like an eternity on the 610 Loop or I-45. You will spend time in your car. However, the city is so spread out that many people live close to work, mitigating the pain.
- Sunrise Manor: Much more manageable. As a suburban community, commutes are shorter. A drive to the Las Vegas Strip can be 20-30 minutes, and most errands are within a 10-minute drive. Traffic exists but is nothing compared to Houston’s scale.
Weather:
- Houston: Brutal summers. The average high is in the 90s, but the humidity is the real story. It can feel like 100°F+ with the heat index. Winters are mild, but you’ll get the occasional cold snap. You’re also in hurricane season, which is a non-trivial risk.
- Sunrise Manor: Classic desert climate. Summers are scorching (100°F+ is common), but it’s a dry heat, which many find more tolerable. Winters are mild and sunny, rarely dipping below freezing. There’s no humidity, no hurricanes, and no snow. It’s sun, sun, and more sun.
Crime & Safety:
- Houston: The data paints a concerning picture. With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100,000, it’s significantly higher than the national average (~380). This is a big-city reality. Crime is highly neighborhood-dependent—some areas are incredibly safe, while others are not. You must do your homework on specific zip codes.
- Sunrise Manor: The data here is much more reassuring. A violent crime rate of 460.3 per 100,000 is still above the national average but half of Houston’s. As an unincorporated area patrolled by the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, it’s generally considered a safe, family-oriented community. This is a major point in its favor.
The Dealbreaker Verdict: For safety and a manageable commute, Sunrise Manor wins. For vibrancy and culture, Houston wins. For weather, it’s a personal call: do you prefer humid heat or dry heat?
The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: Houston
Why: The combination of a lower cost of living, higher median income, and access to a massive, diverse public and private school system is unbeatable. You can afford a larger home with a yard, and your kids have access to museums, zoos, and cultural experiences right in their backyard. The trade-off is navigating a larger, more complex city and being mindful of neighborhood safety.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston
Why: The energy, the food scene, the job market (especially in energy, healthcare, and tech), and the social opportunities are on another level compared to Sunrise Manor. You can build a career and a social life without needing a car payment that eats half your salary. The lower rent means you can save more or live in a trendier area.
Winner for Retirees: Sunrise Manor CDP
Why: This is the clearest win of the showdown. The safer environment, milder winters (no snow to shovel), and proximity to world-class entertainment and healthcare (thanks to Las Vegas) make it a retiree’s dream. While property taxes are low (Nevada has no state income tax and relatively low property taxes), the cost of living is manageable on a fixed income, especially if you own your home. The peace and quiet are priceless.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Houston: The Pros & Cons
- âś… PROS:
- Incredible purchasing power and affordable housing for a major metro.
- No state income tax.
- World-class dining and cultural scene.
- Massive, diverse job market.
- Major airport hub (IAH) for easy travel.
- ❌ CONS:
- High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
- Brutal, humid summers and hurricane risk.
- Notorious traffic and car-dependent.
- High property taxes.
Sunrise Manor CDP: The Pros & Cons
- âś… PROS:
- Safer than Houston (by a wide margin).
- Manageable commute and traffic.
- Dry, sunny desert weather with mild winters.
- Proximity to Las Vegas amenities without the chaos.
- Low property taxes and no state income tax.
- ❌ CONS:
- Lower median income and higher rent than Houston.
- Tighter, more competitive housing market.
- Limited local culture—you’re a suburb of Vegas.
- Extreme summer heat (dry heat, but still intense).
- Isolated location—far from other major cities.
Final Word: If you want opportunity, energy, and maximum value for your dollar, choose Houston. If you want safety, quiet, and a desert retirement or suburban family life, choose Sunrise Manor. The data doesn’t lie—your best choice depends entirely on what you value most.