Atlanta logs 24 frost days a year to Houston's 3 — Houston wins by 21. Atlanta also leads on hot days by 73.

Atlanta runs about $3,400/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Houston's $3,133/mo — Houston comes in $267 cheaper each month, roughly 9% less.

On mobility, Atlanta scores 2.8 vs Houston's 2.0 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on airport accessibility. Houston still holds an edge on car efficiency.

Atlanta's culture score of 3.8 sits well above Houston's 3.5, with the biggest gap on nightlife. Houston still holds an edge on arts & culture.

Atlanta's nature & outdoors score of 3.8 sits well above Houston's 3.2, with the biggest gap on skiing & snowboarding. Houston still holds an edge on surfing & watersports.

Atlanta and Houston score neck-and-neck on safety (2.2 vs 2.2, 0–5 scale).

Atlanta's career score of 4.1 sits well above Houston's 3.8, with the biggest gap on startup ecosystem.

Atlanta's social & community score of 3.8 sits well above Houston's 3.4, with the biggest gap on expat integration experience.

Atlanta and Houston score neck-and-neck on food & dining (3.8 vs 3.6, 0–5 scale).

On family, Atlanta scores 3.5 vs Houston's 3.1 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on international schools. Houston still holds an edge on wellness/spa.

Atlanta and Houston score neck-and-neck on healthcare (2.1 vs 2.1, 0–5 scale).

Atlanta averages 9.4 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Houston's 8.9 µg/m³ (good) — Houston breathes ~6% cleaner air (0.6 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here