Atlanta vs. Houston – When you retire, you might want to live in a place that is rich in culture and history, like Atlanta or Houston.
You can choose to live in one of these cities and never run out of things to do. The best way to find out which city is the best place to retire is by reading this article.
We will compare the oldest city in Georgia with the oldest city in Texas and look at the differences between these two cities where it matters most: cost of living, climate, demographics and more.
When it comes to cost of living, there is no contest when it comes to Atlanta. Compared to Houston, the cost of living in Atlanta is 37% lower.
If you are not sure how this is calculated, take a look at the Consumer Price Index on either city’s government websites.
If you are still confused about how this applies to your personal finances, consider for a moment if you can enjoy eating out more often with friends in Atlanta than you might in Houston.
Or, you can save more of your money in the bank if you are living in Atlanta.
In Atlanta, the average yearly salary is $36,848. In Houston this amount is only $19,157 per year.
This means a retired person would need to make only $16,423 per year to live comfortably in Atlanta as opposed to from $41,996 to $31,814 in Houston.
When it comes to weather some people think Atlanta has it better than Houston as far as weather goes. However, according to Forbes.com, Houston has a longer, cooler summer season and a shorter winter season than Atlanta.
If you are more focused on climate and like cooler weather than the heat, then Houston is your city.
Is Houston, TX bigger than Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta vs. Houston
One of the biggest urban myths is that Houston, TX is actually bigger than Atlanta, GA. Let’s dig into this topic and try to find out if they are both the same size or if Houston is actually larger.
If you need a refresher on how area measurements work, here’s a quick intro: Area = Length x Width
Most normal people would assume that a city with more square footage would be larger than one with less.
As you can see below, Houston has 1.6 million square feet of office space and Atlanta has 2.3 million square feet of office space.
However, the area of each city isn’t really the important point here (and even if it were, Atlanta’s land area is much larger than Houston’s).
The important thing is the land area per person. To find out how much space you’d have to pad out each city, we can use this formula: Area/Person = Land Area (sqft)/Number of People
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the measurements of both cities.
To get the total area of both cities, we simply multiply each of their land areas together. Then we divide by the number of people.
Atlanta, GA [Land Area]:
2.30 x 108 = 2.3 x 109 sqft
Argentina: 2.41 x 107 = 2.4 x 107 sqft
Houston, TX [Land Area]:
1.60 x 104 = 1.6 x 105 sqft
Now let’s go ahead and find out how many people they each have living in their respective cities….
Atlanta, GA:
According to 2017 U.S. Census estimates, Atlanta’s population is just over 5 million people.
This means that we need to find out how many square feet of land area each person needs based on their total weight and height of 1,000 people.
Using this formula and the previous measurements, we get the following result: 1,000*1.6 x 104=1,600 x 104 sqft
Houston, TX:
Using the 2017 U.S. Census estimates, Houston’s population is about 2.3 million people.
The average U.S. male height and weight are approximately 5’10″/170 lbs. Time to find out how many square feet of land each person needs: 1,000*1.6 x 104=1,600 x 104 sqft
At this point it’s pretty clear that Atlanta is bigger in terms of how much physical area both cities need per resident.
Which city is better to live in, Houston or Atlanta?
Which city is better to live in Atlanta
Houston and Atlanta are two of the most populous cities in America, and they’re both good places to live — but which is better?
Atlanta is a hub for business and has more Fortune 500 headquarters than any city outside of New York.
With a thriving economy, some of the world’s busiest airports, plenty of young professionals, a burgeoning art scene, and historic cuisine, it’s no wonder that so many people want to live there.
But the flip side is that it is not only MOSTLY expensive, but also crime-ridden and racially segregated.
Houston, on the other hand, has a lower cost of living, more wealth per person and median income, much better schools and quality of life.
Atlanta and Houston are both thriving cities, but the question is which one would you rather live in?
The AP’s ranking of America’s Most Livable Cities takes into account such factors as violent crime, income levels, education levels, housing affordability, quality of life and job growth.
This is the first time Atlanta was included on the list (for reference: Houston was ranked second).
Atlanta has virtually no murders per capita , a high percentage of residents with college degrees , and a low cost of living .
So why is Atlanta so dangerous?
The fact that the city has such a high cost of living and relatively little job growth (56,000 new jobs were created in 2011, compared to a national average of 175,000) contributes to this crime problem.
Atlanta also has sky-high home prices , and there’s not enough available housing for its growing population. It needs about 215,000 more homes.
Houston has a lower cost of living than Atlanta, a high percentage of college graduates , and almost twice as many available jobs as Atlanta.
Houston also has the third-lowest violent crime rate in America , so it’s not surprising that Houston residents are happier with their lives. The area also enjoys the second-highest median income in the nation (after only Washington, D.C.
How does Atlanta differ from Houston?
How does Atlanta differ from Houston?
Houston and Atlanta are two cities in the United States that may seem very similar in terms of their cultural, social, and economic aspects.
For example, both cities have a metropolitan area population of over 4 million people. As the third-largest city in the US, Houston has a total metropolitan area population of 6 million while Atlanta’s is 5 million.
Houston also has much more space than Atlanta while being less expensive to live there.
However, there are some very large distinctions between these two cities. For example, Houston has a much larger economy than Atlanta does.
As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston has a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $300 billion, making it larger than countries such as Finland and Ireland. In contrast, Atlanta only has an annual GDP of $150 billion.
Another major difference between these two cities is their levels of racial diversity. As the 42nd-most diverse city in the US, Atlanta is considered one of the most racially diverse cities at a national level.
In contrast, Houston is the second-least racially diverse city in the United States.
In terms of immigrants, Atlanta is a much more welcoming place for immigrants than Houston. While Atlanta does have an immigrant population that is one-quarter of its total population, this number is only one-tenth of its population.
In contrast, Houston has a large immigrant population as it has almost 40% of its total population.
In terms of demographics, there are some notable differences between Houston and Atlanta.
First of all, Atlanta’s population is much more diverse than Houston’s as Atlanta has a total population that is 45% Caucasian, 27% African American, and 25% Hispanic or Latino.
In contrast, Houston has a population that is 60.5% Caucasian, 11.5% African American, and 21.9% Hispanic or Latino.
In terms of culture and entertainment, Atlanta has a much larger cultural presence than Houston does. As the birthplace of some of the most popular movies, such as Gone with the Wind, Atlanta has a rich and long history of cinematic presence.
In contrast, Houston has a much smaller cinematic presence because it is not seen as a place for people to go if they want to experience the latest innovations in entertainment.
Also, Atlanta has a much stronger economy than Houston does. For example, Atlanta’s largest corporation is the Coca-Cola Company while Houston’s is Waste Management Incorporated.
Is it cheaper to live in Atlanta or Houston?
Atlanta is known for its central location, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Houston has a more business-friendly vibe, and it’s also home to NASA and the Johnson Space Center. Which city is more affordable?
The cost of living in Atlanta is 26% higher than that of Houston. In Atlanta, the average monthly rent for an apartment is $1,391 whereas the average rent in Houston sits at $1,062.
However, $27 a day will buy you a tank of gas in Atlanta, while it would only buy you two gallons in Houston.
When it comes to health care, the average cost for a doctor’s visit in Atlanta is $109, while in Houston the average is $91.
To see a movie and grab some popcorn, you’ll pay an average of $12 in Atlanta and only $8.50 in Houston. The good news is that the cost of utilities and groceries are similar in both cities.
The average household income per person is higher in Atlanta than it is in Houston. Atlanta residents earn an average of $35,788 per year, while Houston residents earn an average of $29,514 per year.
So which city is the better deal for you? Find out by comparing Atlanta to Houston side-by-side.
Differences between Atlanta and Houston
Atlanta has a higher cost of living than Houston. However, transportation costs are lower in Atlanta than in Houston. The average price of gas is $3.99 a gallon in Atlanta and $3.59 in Houston.
For public transit, an adult monthly pass costs $84 in Atlanta, while it costs $71 to ride the bus or train in Houston.
It only takes $27 a day to buy two gallons of gas in Atlanta, but you’ll pay more than double that if you want to fill up the tank on a daily basis in Houston.
To drive a car, the average cost for insurance is $1,259 per year in Atlanta and $1,162 per year in Houston.
Apartments are more affordable in Atlanta than in Houston. The average rent per month for an apartment in Atlanta is $1,391.
In Houston, the average monthly rent is $1,062. In Houston, you’ll pay 10% less on groceries than you would in Atlanta. Even so, utilities cost more in Atlanta than they do in Houston.
It’ll cost you $104 per month to have a landline phone (including Internet access) and pay for cable TV or satellite service in Atlanta.
Is Atlanta a good city to live in?
Do you want to live in a city? Atlanta’s got it all: fabulous food, a thriving job market, healthcare opportunities, and plenty of world-class attractions. There’s no wonder why it continues to grow and grow. But is Atlanta the right city for you?
This post will cover the pros and cons of living in Atlanta so that you can make your decision with a level head.
The Pros of Living in Atlanta
A Thriving City with an Energetic Feel
Georgia’s capital is a city with a lot of energy. It’s busy and boisterous and always active, with never a dull moment around. The Atlanta cityscape is ever-changing.
It’s growing to be one of the largest cities in the country, so there are endless opportunities for entertainment—and endless opportunities for you to get involved in the growth.
Each year the city hosts four major conventions, so you can be assured of going to an industry-specific meeting at least once a year.
You’ll appreciate the live music scene, which has plenty of prominent venues (such as The Tabernacle and Variety Playhouse) for you to enjoy.
Atlanta is famous for its live theater venues and concert halls, so you can go see some great shows without having to travel far.
The city is also home to several world-renowned attractions, making it a great place to live. The Georgia Aquarium is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with your family.
The Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Zoo are awesome places for the whole family, including kids (and all the animal lovers).
There’s also shopping galore in Downtown Decatur, which has discount stores and more store fronts than you know what to do with.
Plus, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District has its own complex of shops and restaurants.
You’ll love living in the city because it’s always busy with both energetic businesspeople and avid shoppers.
Combine this with a thriving arts community, and you’ve got a great place to live. There are plenty of events for everyone.
A Great Place for Healthcare Opportunities
In order to remain competitive in a global economy, Atlanta has worked hard to improve its healthcare infrastructure. In fact, it’s second only to Austin as a top-ranked healthcare hub in the United States.
The city is home to the main healthcare providers: Emory Healthcare, Fresenius Medical Care, and Grady Memorial Hospital.
They all treat patients locally, but they also have locations across the country. For example, Emory Healthcare has affiliate hospitals around Atlanta and it has affiliations with hospitals in areas such as Tennessee and North Carolina.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also located in Atlanta. As the largest employer in the metro area, it’s an excellent place to work even if you’re not a healthcare professional.
But its location does give it an advantage when it comes to healthcare research and information.
A High Quality of Life
Atlanta is a beautiful city to live in. It’s a green place that offers residents plenty of parks and trails. The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile ribbon of paths, and it’s perfect for runners, walkers, and bikers.
You’re also within striking distance of several mountains if you’re looking for a little adventure.
Some of the best neighborhoods are in Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Candler Park. All are packed with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, and more to ensure you have plenty to do when the weekend hits.
But there are also plenty of affordable options for rentals if you want to live in a cool part of town on a budget.
There are tons of Atlanta apartments that cost between $700 and $1,800. That’s not too bad for such an awesome city. You can even find some studios in the downtown area that rent for less than $600 a month.
Great Places to Eat and Plenty of Nightlife Options
The Atlanta dining scene is terrific. There are plenty of restaurants for you to choose from, and the local brews are among the best in the country.
The city is known for its shrimp and grits, hot chicken, and waffles—but you’ll also be able to find all the other standards: fine burgers, barbecue, vegetarian options, vegan cuisine, sushi…you name it. There’s something for every taste.
The nightlife options in Atlanta are amazing, as well. Emory University and the Creative Loafing paper proudly boast that they are two of the most popular bar scenes in the state of Georgia.
There are plenty of other bars and clubs within walking distance from Atlanta’s major attractions, as well.
A Great City for Families
It goes without saying that Atlanta is a great place for families. It’s got parks galore, great public schools (which are being renovated), and tons of free things to do for kids.
To name a few, there’s the Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, Centennial Olympic Park, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, or the Southeast Center for Archaeology.
There are also plenty of places to go hiking and enjoy the great outdoors.
One of the best perks of living in an area with so much to do is that your children will never be bored—no matter what time of day it is. There are always things for them to do.
The Atlanta Area Codes
Cons of Living in Atlanta
A Confusing and Busy City with a Bit of a Big City Feel
As the capital of Georgia, you can imagine that the residents of the city will have to deal with a lot of traffic. But it’s not as bad as it used to be.
The city’s leaders worked hard on transportation options and they’ve succeeded. In fact, Atlanta proper has one of the best public transportation systems in the country.
That said, it does get quite crowded and loud (although it’s nothing compared to Los Angeles). And there’s a lot of walking and climbing involved if you’re looking for grocery stores, dry cleaners, banks, or other shops and services.
So if you’re looking to get out and about a lot this might not be the city for you. But if you’re looking for a great place to raise your children and enjoy a quiet, low-stress life, Atlanta is going to be a blast.
Atlanta Residents Have High Rates of Crime and High Property Crime Rates
While it’s true that crime rates in the city are relatively low, this doesn’t mean that everyone is safe. Like most major cities (and some smaller ones), people in Atlanta do get robbed at least once.
However, the rate of violent crime has been dropping significantly over the past few years.
Murder rates in Atlanta were down by 12.5 percent in 2014, and aggravated assaults fell by 5.7 percent over the same period, according to FBI data.
Meanwhile, burglaries increased by 4.3 percent—the first time law enforcement noted an uptick since 2006 when the rate was only slightly more than it is now.
