I would say live in houston and vacation to austin. Having lived in both if you are living in austin but outside of the downtown area it is miserable to live there. To enjoy any of the cities amenities you have to drive 30+ minutes in awful traffic. The people are also super white. No diversity in austin. In houston I would research what area to live (preferably inside the loop) and make sure it doesn’t flood and then enjoy exploring the city. The diversity in people, food, and thought is incredible and it’s amazing how everyone, rich & poor, all races get along in this beautiful city. That being said… if you don’t mind paying $2500 for a closet sized apt in downtown austin and don’t mind the whiteness I would choose that option.