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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Houston?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Houston. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Cocoa Beach and Houston are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach is known for its food, resorts, and beaches. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Houston and Cocoa Beach.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cocoa Beach. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

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 Cocoa Beach or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

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 Cocoa Beach or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Houston has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Houston Better for Resorts?

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

With a selection of resorts, Cocoa Beach makes a nice vacation spot. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Houston Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful beaches. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Houston.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Houston is a great destination for shopping. 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 Cocoa Beach or Houston Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

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 Cocoa Beach or Houston Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Houston is a good beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

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 Cocoa Beach or Houston a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable place. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

Houston is generally not a very walkable beach 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 Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Houston. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

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

Houston is a diverse city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer.

Houston is a sprawling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The one-of-a-kind city of Houston offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Houston. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach or Houston?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Houston. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Houston. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Houston and Cocoa Beach