A Comparison of affordable living in Houston verses New York

By observing another city’s economy and living standards, such as with Houston, we can compare the pros and cons. This is done to get an idea of what is measured as affordable, expensive and/or cheaper in order to determine if New York is a reasonable and affordable place to live in.

Some of the strengths of Houston compared to New York is that it is more massively populated than New York. Houston has grown 19.4 percent over New York at 2.7 percent. This growth shows that expansion continues to progress and more people are flocking to Houston. Houston’s economy has a great concentration on manufacturing and construction. They produce electronics, foods, machinery and have a retail market twice the size of Manhattan. However, Houston falls short with most weather extremely humid and peaking over the high 90’s and lower wage earnings. New York by comparison is centered on specialized services, insurance and finance that give NY an economic advantage to pay workers double the wages than that of Houston. Although, New Yorkers may earn more, their high retail markets, small rental spaces and/or apartments, high taxes and heavy transportation leaves a hole in your budget especially for fuel.

As Houston’s family income is lower, the cost for housing is lower. “Housing prices are the most important part of Houston's recipe for middle-class affordability” (Glaesar). This means that you can buy an affordable home or apartment and reap the benefits of a big house with more square footage, four or more bedrooms, huge yard, swimming pool, etc. Houston is a city of construction and building whereas New York is more expensive and costs much more to produce affordable housing with policies, regulations and environmental agencies that makes it strenuous and complicated. It is apparent that Houston’s developmental growth of affordable living is their greatest asset and allows families to live decent lifestyles and not so much of pay check to pay check. Although it depends on one’s own personal preference as to where a person chooses to live, if New York wisened up and reduced building costs that would allow for more affordable living it would make all families of all incomes feel welcomed, secured and happy New Yorkers.

Work Cited

Glaeser, Edward. “Houston, New York Has a Problem.” www.nysun.com. 16 Sept. 2008.

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