A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Columbia vs. Houston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

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.

Where Should I go: Columbia or Houston?

Columbia

Both the largest and capital city of South Carolina, Columbia is literally the center of everything. Geographically it is located in the middle of the state, and it is the home to the University of South Carolina, the Army's Fort Jackson, as well as a variety of museums that celebrate the city's art, history, and culture.

Houston

The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.

Which city is cheaper, Houston or Columbia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbia is $0.00, while the average daily cost in Houston is $210. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Columbia and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbia -
    Houston $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbia $0.00
    Houston $226
Compare Hotels in Columbia and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Columbia or Houston? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Columbia


Hotels in Houston


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Columbia Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbia -
    Houston $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $36
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer: Houston to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $44
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $44
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $47
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston Downtown to George Bush Airport: $47
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $47
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $47
  • Private Airport Transfer: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Houston: $52
  • Private Arrival Transfer from IAH Airport to Johnson Space Center: $61
  • Arrival Private Transfer Houston George Bush Airport IAH to Houston by Sedan Car: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbia or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Columbia change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Columbia $4.02
    Houston $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $65
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $74
  • The Heights Food Tour: $74
  • Culinary Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Columbia -
    Houston $11

Tours and Activities in Columbia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Columbia are as follows:

  • Savannah: History & Ghosts Guided Tour with Beverage Stops: $20
  • Cascade Locks: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise: $50
  • Portland: Columbia River Gorge 3-Hour Small Group Tour: $85
  • Cascade Locks: Columbia Gorge Sunday Brunch Cruise: $94
  • Portland: Columbia Gorge Flight Tour: $99
  • Portland: Multnomah Falls Scenic Air Tour: $199

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ultimate Houston Self-Driving Audio Tour: $8.00
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
  • Haunted Houston Ghost Walking Tour (All Ages): $21
  • Space Center Houston Admission Ticket: $25
  • Museum of Natural Sciences Ticket: $25
  • Astroville Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston: $26
  • Houston Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $30
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $31
  • Houston's Official Hop on-Hop off Tour: $32
  • Astroville Weekend Downtown Houston Tour With Tunnel Access: $35
  • Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston: $35
  • Astroville Rockets Basketball Game Day Tour with Tunnel Access: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbia $70
    Houston $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Columbia

Also in Columbia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Savannah: Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skip the Line: Distillery Tour Ticket: $21
  • Haunted Houston Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tour: $53
  • Astroville Downtown Bar Crawl & Tunnel Access (2 Cocktails Beverages Included): $58
  • SUV St. Arnold Brewery Tour: $487

About these numbers

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.


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. 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 temperature in Columbia is usually 82°F (28°C) in July, and Houston stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbia 82°F (28°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Columbia or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Columbia as well as Houston. 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 are around 64°F (18°C), and Houston is 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

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. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Columbia is generally much colder than Houston. Temperatures in Columbia average around 45°F (7°C), and Houston stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbia 45°F (7°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

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 temperature in Columbia is usually 64°F (18°C) in April, and Houston stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbia 64°F (18°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Columbia

Columbia Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 56°F (13°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 64°F (18°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 72°F (22°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 5.8 inches (147 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 64°F (18°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 56°F (13°C) 2.1 inches (54 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 48°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Columbia
Washington vs. Houston
Clearwater vs. Columbia
Clearwater vs. Houston
Fort Lauderdale vs. Columbia
Fort Lauderdale vs. Houston
Gainesville vs. Columbia
Gainesville vs. Houston
Jacksonville vs. Columbia
Jacksonville vs. Houston
Miami vs. Columbia
Miami vs. Houston
Orlando vs. Columbia
Orlando vs. Houston
Saint Petersburg vs. Columbia
Saint Petersburg vs. Houston
Tallahassee vs. Columbia
Tallahassee vs. Houston
Tampa vs. Columbia
Tampa vs. Houston
Atlanta vs. Columbia
Atlanta vs. Houston
Savannah vs. Columbia
Savannah vs. Houston
New Orleans vs. Columbia
New Orleans vs. Houston
Baltimore vs. Columbia
Baltimore vs. Houston
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Columbia vs. Houston Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.