A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Houston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Beijing or Houston?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Houston can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Beijing and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Houston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston is known for its music. Beijing is more touristy than Houston and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Beijing different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing 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 Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing 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 Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Houston Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Houston has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Houston has something for everybody. 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 Beijing or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Houston?

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

Beijing is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Beijing or Houston Better for Families?

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

Houston is known to be 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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Houston Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Houston are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

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 Beijing or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Beijing or Houston Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

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

Beijing 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 Beijing can get you to some places easily. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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 Beijing or Houston a more walkable city?

Beijing and Houston both are decent when exploring on foot.

Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't 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 Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Houston. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

One day in Beijing or Houston?

Because Beijing 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 Beijing or Houston?

Because Beijing 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Beijing or Houston?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. 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 Beijing or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Houston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Houston?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing 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 Beijing or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Houston. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Beijing is much colder than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Houston. Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Houston. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Houston. Most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Beijing is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Beijing