Melissa vs Princeton: which is better to live in?
Melissa gets A overall and Princeton gets B. Melissa comes out ahead on our index.
Melissa wins on schools, safety, errands and things to do, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access. Princeton wins on cost of living and getting around.
Melissa suits families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers better, while Princeton suits people on a budget better.
Side by side
| Melissa | Princeton | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | A | B |
| Population | 29,969 | 43,524 |
| Growth since 2020 | +115.6% | +156.1% |
| Median rent | $2,532 | $2,239 |
| Median home value | $454,000 | $331,000 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $3,057 | $2,256 |
| Median household income | $138,763 | $105,200 |
| Property tax per year | $6,860 | $5,326 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 49 | 256 |
| Property crime per 100k | 433 | 815 |
| Schools rated A or B | 100% | 70% |
| Average commute | 34 min | 32 min |
| Work from home | 29% | 15% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 53% | 29% |
| Median age | 36.3 years | 32.4 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 97 | 97 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | High | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Melissa | Princeton | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | D+ (31) | B- (58) |
| Jobs and income | A (93) | A (91) |
| Schools | A (92) | B- (57) |
| Safety | A+ (95) | C+ (51) |
| Errands and things to do | C+ (53) | D- (15) |
| Getting around | F (1) | D (16) |
| Education levels | B (70) | C- (40) |
| Health | C+ (52) | D+ (25) |
| Home ownership | A+ (98) | A- (81) |
| Internet access | A+ (96) | B+ (73) |
Cost of living
Princeton is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is higher in Melissa: a median of $2,532 a month, 13% higher than Princeton's $2,239.
The median home is worth $454,000 in Melissa and $331,000 in Princeton. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $3,057 a month against $2,256, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.3 times income in Melissa and 3.1 times in Princeton.
Commute and location
Commutes average 34 minutes in Melissa and 32 in Princeton.
The two are about 7 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Melissa has less violent crime. Melissa reported 49 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Princeton reported 256 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 100% of Melissa's 6 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 70% of Princeton's 10.
Common questions
Is Melissa or Princeton better to live in?
Melissa grades higher overall (A vs B). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Melissa cheaper than Princeton?
No. Princeton has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Melissa or Princeton?
Melissa, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.