A Travel Price Comparison for Texas Austin vs. Houston for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Attractions

Should you visit Austin or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin 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.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping. See Austin travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See Houston travel costs.

Austin and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Austin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its big city activities, while Austin attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Austin is more touristy than Houston and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Austin different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Austin and Houston have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Houston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Austin or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin or Houston Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

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

Is Austin or Houston Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Houston?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Houston and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Houston. 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 Austin or Houston More Beautiful?

Austin is a city with a few options for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Couples?

Austin and Houston are both nice to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Is Austin 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 Austin and Houston.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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 Austin or Houston a more walkable city?

Austin and Houston both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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 Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Austin?

How long in Austin or Houston?

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

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

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

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

One day in Austin or Houston?

In Austin, 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.

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Houston?

In Austin, 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 Austin has to offer.

Houston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Houston?

Austin 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Houston?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, 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 the summer, Austin is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Houston. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Austin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Austin is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Austin usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Houston. Most visitors come to Austin 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.

Austin is around the same temperature as Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Houston. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Austin as well as Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the spring, Austin is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Houston. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Austin