A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Houston for Nightlife, Music, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Asheville or Houston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Asheville and Houston. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and hiking.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Asheville and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Houston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Asheville. Houston is bigger than Asheville, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Asheville is more popular for its music, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Asheville is more touristy than Houston and is known for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston.

How is Asheville different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston and Asheville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Houston?

Houston is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Asheville and Houston can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Asheville. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Asheville and Houston.

Asheville is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Music?

Asheville is well known for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Asheville. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Asheville makes a nice vacation spot. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Asheville. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Hiking?

Asheville is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Houston?

Asheville is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Asheville is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Christmas?

Asheville is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Houston does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville has some Christmas markets worth visiting during the holidays. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Houston does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Families?

Both Asheville and Houston are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Asheville is a very kid-friendly mountain town. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Couples?

Asheville is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Houston is a good mountain town for couples to visit. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Students?

Asheville is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Is Asheville or Houston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Houston.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Asheville or Houston a more walkable city?

Asheville is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Asheville is a somewhat walkable place. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Houston is generally not a very walkable mountain town. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Houston. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Houston. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Asheville than Houston. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Asheville, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Asheville than Houston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Asheville that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Asheville than Houston if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Asheville.

One day in Asheville or Houston?

In Asheville, you'll find nightlife and live music. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Houston?

In Asheville, you'll find live music and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Asheville has to offer.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Houston?

Asheville is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Houston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Asheville. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asheville and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Asheville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Asheville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asheville and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston than you might in Asheville.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asheville Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Houston, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Asheville or Houston?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Asheville or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Asheville because of the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Asheville is around the same temperature as Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Asheville. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Houston. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Asheville during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Asheville is cooler than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asheville in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Asheville usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Houston. Many travelers come to Asheville for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Asheville is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 44°F (7°C), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Houston. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Asheville in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

Asheville is cooler than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Houston. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Asheville