Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Irving to Houston
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Irving has higher median household income ($81,830 vs $64,813) and home values ($315,600 vs $277,800) than Houston, but also higher median gross rent ($1,619 vs $1,361). Irving’s shorter commute (26 vs 30 minutes) partially offsets its higher housing costs. Both cities use a uniform non-housing baseline of $1,250/month and have no state individual income tax in the model. The trade-off centers on Irving’s income and equity advantages versus Houston’s lower housing costs, with neither city dominating across all metrics.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Houston → IrvingMoving from Irving to Houston
Median Rent Impact
-$258/mo
Moving to Houston saves ~$3,096/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
0.0% difference
Neither state imposes an individual state income tax.
Daily Commute Difference
+4 min / day
Difference of ~33 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
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Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTIRV → HOU
64/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$15,480after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainMedian owner-occupied home value of $277,800.
Watch closelyA citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute.
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Houston is about $3,096 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Irving household income$81,830
Houston household income$64,813
Irving gross rent$1,619
Houston gross rent$1,361
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Irving | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 256,492 | 2,328,253 |
| Median household income | $81,830 | $64,813 |
| Median gross rent | $1,619 | $1,361 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $315,600 | $277,800 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 0% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 26 minutes in Irving and 30 minutes in Houston. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Higher income in Irving supports greater housing affordability despite higher rents
- Houston’s lower median home value reduces entry barriers for homebuyers
- Irving’s shorter commute saves time and transportation costs over Houston
- Identical tax and non-housing baselines isolate housing and income as key variables
What each city wins
Irving
Median rent is 23.7% of median income.. Watch higher home values may reflect long-term equity potential despite monthly costs..
Houston
Median owner-occupied home value of $277,800.. Watch a citywide median income of $64,813 paired with a 30-minute derived commute..
Frequently asked questions
Which city offers better rent-to-income ratio for renters?
Houston has a more favorable rent-to-income ratio: median gross rent is 25.2% of income versus Irving’s 23.7%, making Houston slightly more affordable for renters despite lower incomes.
How does home value appreciation potential compare between the two cities?
Irving’s higher median home value suggests stronger existing equity, but ACS data does not indicate future appreciation; neither city’s long-term value trends can be inferred from 2024 snapshot values alone.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.