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

Should you visit Columbia or Houston?

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

Should I visit Columbia or Houston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Columbia

Columbia is a friendly, welcoming, and suburban city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Columbia and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbia or Houston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Columbia. Houston is bigger than Columbia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is more touristy than Columbia and is known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston. Columbia is well known for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Columbia different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Houston is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Houston. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Columbia or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Columbia or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Columbia is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Columbia is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbia or Houston?

Both Columbia and Houston are notable shopping destinations.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

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 Columbia or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly city. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Columbia or Houston Better for Couples?

Houston is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Columbia or Houston Better for Students?

Columbia and Houston are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Columbia is a good city to visit for students. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

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

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

Both Columbia and Houston offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia or Houston a more walkable city?

Houston is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

Columbia is not a very walkable city. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

For even more information, also check out Is Columbia Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Columbia?

How long in Columbia or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Columbia and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Houston than in Columbia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Columbia, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston than Columbia 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 Houston.

One day in Columbia or Houston?

In Columbia, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Columbia or Houston?

In Columbia, you'll find nightlife 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 Columbia has to offer.

Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Houston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Columbia or Houston?

Columbia 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.

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Columbia or Houston?

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

Houston is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Columbia or Houston?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbia and Houston. Most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Columbia is around the same temperature as Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Columbia gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Columbia or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Houston. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbia because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the autumn, Columbia is cooler than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Columbia in October average around 64°F (18°C), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Columbia usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Columbia gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Columbia or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Columbia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Columbia is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Columbia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Columbia gets 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Columbia or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Columbia during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

Columbia is cooler than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Columbia averages around 64°F (18°C) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Columbia usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Columbia gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Columbia