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

Should you visit Baltimore or Houston?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Baltimore or Houston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Baltimore. Houston is bigger than Baltimore, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is better known for its music and big city activities, while Baltimore is more popular for its food and shopping. Baltimore is more touristy than Houston and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. 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 Baltimore different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Baltimore
Houston

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Baltimore and Houston.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Houston can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Baltimore or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore
Houston

Baltimore 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 Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Baltimore
Houston

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

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore or Houston Better for Music?

Baltimore
Houston

Houston is very good for its live music scene. However, Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Houston?

Baltimore
Houston

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

Baltimore is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore or Houston Better for Families?

Baltimore
Houston

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Baltimore or Houston.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Houston Better for Couples?

Baltimore
Houston

Both Baltimore and Houston are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Houston is a good city 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 Baltimore or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore
Houston

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Baltimore or Houston Better for Students?

Baltimore
Houston

Houston is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore
Houston

Baltimore is well known for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore can get you to some places easily. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Houston a more walkable city?

Baltimore
Houston

Baltimore is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Houston?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Baltimore or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baltimore 2-3 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Baltimore or Houston?

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Baltimore or Houston?

In Baltimore, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Houston?

Baltimore 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the one-of-a-kind 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 Baltimore or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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 Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Baltimore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baltimore is $184, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baltimore and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baltimore $93
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baltimore $186
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Baltimore and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Baltimore or Houston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Baltimore


Hotels in Houston


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baltimore Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baltimore $21
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $64
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $56
  • Private Transfer from Baltimore Port to Baltimore Airport: $42
  • San Francisco Airport to Oakland: Round Trip Private Transfer: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $195
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $170
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $109
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $195
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $352
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Houston IAH airport : $100
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Baltimore or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Baltimore change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baltimore $46
    Houston $35
Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $119
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $88
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baltimore $18
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Downtown Baltimore In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Baltimore Orioles Baseball Game Ticket at Oriole Park: $15
  • Historic & Cultural Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $17
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Sights and Sips Private City Sightseeing Cruise: $31
  • Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $31

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Houston Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation : $5.00
  • Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.33
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
  • Houston - Downtown: At your leisure and your pace. An audio walking tour. : $12
  • Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
  • Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Houston Rockets NBA Basketball Game Ticket: $16
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baltimore $17
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Chesapeake Region Wine Tour: $171

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


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

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


Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Houston?

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

Both Houston and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Baltimore is cooler than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 78°F (25°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 Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Houston. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Baltimore is much colder than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baltimore in October average around 57°F (14°C), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Houston. The winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In January, Baltimore is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 32°F (0°C), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Houston. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Baltimore or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Houston. The activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

Baltimore is much colder than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 54°F (12°C) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Houston. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Baltimore

Baltimore Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)