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

Should you visit Charleston or Houston?

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

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

Charleston

Charleston is a classic, picturesque, and charming coastal town. The beauty of Charleston is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Charleston travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Houston travel costs.

Charleston and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Charleston or Houston?

Both Houston and Charleston have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Charleston is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Houston is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities. Charleston is more touristy than Houston and is known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Charleston different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

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

Charleston 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 Charleston, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for nightlife.

Houston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

Is Charleston or Houston Better for Music?

Both Charleston and Houston offer good live music venues.

The music scene helps keep Charleston active and fun. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

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

Is Charleston or Houston Better for Resorts?

Charleston is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Charleston makes a nice vacation spot. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Charleston or Houston Better for Beaches?

Charleston is well known for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Charleston for it's beautiful beaches. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Charleston or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Charleston is revered around the world. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Charleston or Houston?

Charleston 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 Charleston make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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 Charleston or Houston More Beautiful?

Charleston is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Charleston is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The charming history, beautiful architecture, and historic churches all make this city one of the most beautiful in the southern United States.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Charleston or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Charleston is a family-friendly coastal town. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Charleston or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Charleston is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

Houston is a good coastal town 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 Charleston or Houston Better for Students?

Charleston and Houston are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

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

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

Both Charleston and Houston offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire area.

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 Charleston or Houston a more walkable city?

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

Charleston is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have a car.

Houston is generally not a very walkable coastal town. 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 Charleston Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Charleston?

How long in Charleston or Houston?

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

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

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

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

One day in Charleston or Houston?

In Charleston, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Charleston or Houston?

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

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Charleston or Houston?

Charleston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Charleston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Charleston or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. In Charleston, you'll find live music and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Charleston or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Charleston. When comparing the sizes of Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston or Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Charleston and Houston. Many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charleston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Charleston usually receives more rain than Houston. Charleston gets 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Charleston or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Charleston as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Charleston in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Charleston is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Charleston averages around 67°F (19°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Charleston usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Charleston gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Charleston or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Charleston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Charleston is cooler than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Charleston in January average around 47°F (9°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Charleston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Charleston gets 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Charleston or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Charleston during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In April, Charleston is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Charleston average around 64°F (18°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Charleston usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Charleston gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Charleston