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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a scenic, idyllic, and wild city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Cabo San Lucas and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Houston are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston attracts visitors for its museums & sights, music, and big city activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Houston and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

Houston is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas just to party. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for live music. However, Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is not a live music destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cabo San Lucas to choose from. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cabo San Lucas for it's beautiful beaches. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Families?

Both Cabo San Lucas and Houston are very good to visit with kids.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Houston is very family-friendly. 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 Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cabo San Lucas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a city with good options for students. However, Cabo San Lucas 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.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Houston a more walkable city?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable city. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Houston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cabo San Lucas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Houston. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, 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 Cabo San Lucas and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Cabo San Lucas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cabo San Lucas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.