A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Houston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Houston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Atlanta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Atlanta is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Atlanta is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Atlanta different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Atlanta are among the most recognizable in the world. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Atlanta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

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 Atlanta or Houston Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Atlanta and Houston.

The nightlife in Atlanta has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Atlanta or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Houston?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Atlanta make it a world-class shopping destination. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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 Atlanta or Houston Better for Families?

Atlanta and Houston are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Atlanta or Houston Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Houston are both good to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Atlanta or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atlanta is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atlanta. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Atlanta or Houston Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

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

Atlanta and Houston both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Public transit is generally 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 Atlanta or Houston a more walkable city?

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

Atlanta is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Atlanta and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Atlanta than in Houston. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Atlanta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

One day in Atlanta or Houston?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Houston, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Houston?

Because Atlanta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlanta has to offer.

In Houston, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Houston has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Houston?

Atlanta is a great place to explore. 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.

Houston is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Atlanta or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Atlanta. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Houston. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Atlanta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlanta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlanta 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 Atlanta.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Houston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Atlanta or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Atlanta is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Atlanta is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 66°F (19°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Atlanta usually receives less rain than Houston. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Atlanta is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Atlanta in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Houston. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In April, Atlanta is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 65°F (18°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Houston. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Atlanta