Performance
Score Breakdown
Nashville
Houston
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Houston is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
30% higher compared to Nashville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Nashville's average rent is
40% higher than Houston's.
| Metric | Nashville | Houston | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,684 | $1,199 | +40% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $260 | $180 | +44% |
| Transport | $180 | $120 | +50% |
| Healthcare | $140 | $150 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $2,664 | $2,049 | +30% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 97 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Houston offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Houston delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Nashville is estimated at
$67,356 vs $55,000 in Houston.
| Metric | Nashville | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $93,454 | $98,122 |
| Salary Needed | $67,356 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 97,348 idx | 101,157 idx |
| Household Income | $77,371 | $64,361 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Nashville | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 80.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Houston scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Nashville | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 30 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 77.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Houston is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Nashville.
From a growth perspective, Nashville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Nashville has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Nashville | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 712,581 | 2,390,125 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.54% | 0.20% |
| Median Age | 34.5 | 34.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $697.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Nashville
Advantages
Nashville's metro area unemployment rate of 3.0% (March 2026) is well below the national average, indicating a robust job market.
The city's cost of living index of 95.9 (March 2026) makes it approximately 4.1% more affordable than the national average.
Nashville experienced a job growth rate of 1.1% through September 2025, ranking it among the top U.S. metros for employment growth.
Violent offenses in Nashville were down nearly 14% and property crime decreased by almost 12% in 2025 compared to 2024, with homicides at their lowest in a decade.
Tennessee has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial advantage for residents.
Drawbacks
Nashville experiences significant traffic congestion, ranking 27th worst globally and 11th in the U.S. in 2025, with drivers losing an average of 63 hours annually.
Summers in Nashville are hot and muggy, with high humidity levels, which can be uncomfortable for some residents.
Housing costs are rising, with median home prices at $475,000 (July 2025) and average rents increasing, making affordability a growing concern.
The city's public transportation system is not as readily accessible as in other major cities, contributing to high car dependency.
Despite recent improvements, Nashville's overall crime rate of 57.31 per 1,000 people (2024 data) places it in a moderate safety range, with some areas having elevated crime.
Houston
Advantages
Houston's cost of living is below the national average, particularly for housing.
The city boasts a strong and diversified job market with significant growth in sectors like energy, healthcare, and construction.
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, offering world-class healthcare facilities and expertise.
The metropolitan area's GDP reached a record $697 billion in 2023, leading major U.S. metros in two-year GDP growth.
New business announcements increased by 30% in 2024, indicating a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
Drawbacks
Houston experiences hot and humid summers with a heat index frequently reaching 100-110°F or higher.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, with commuters losing an average of 77 hours due to delays in 2024.
The city has a high crime rate compared to many other U.S. communities, with a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime.
Houston is highly car-dependent, with public transportation not being the primary mode of transit for most residents.
While homicides decreased in 2024, overall violent crime increased by 4.57% from 2023 to 2024.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Nashville
#31Tennessee, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,684
Avg Salary
$93,454
Cost Index
96
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.54%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
70
Business
75
Houston
#31Texas, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,199
Avg Salary
$98,122
Cost Index
97
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.20%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
78
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