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

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Should you visit Columbus or Houston?

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

Should I visit Columbus 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: Columbus or Houston?

Columbus

The capital city of Ohio, Columbus sits at the meeting point of America's Rust Belt, Bible Belt, Appalachia, and the Plains. It is also home of Ohio State University, which is a major financial and economic force in the city. You'll likely need a car to navigate the city, although there is a bus system, COTA, which can take you to some of Columbus' highlights.

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 Columbus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Columbus is $126, 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 Columbus and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Columbus $58
    Houston $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Columbus $116
    Houston $226
Compare Hotels in Columbus and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Columbus 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 Columbus


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: Columbus Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Columbus $40
    Houston $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Columbus

Also for Columbus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) to Columbus - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
  • Columbus to Columbus John Glen Airport (CMH) - Departure Private Transfer: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • 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
  • Transfer from William P. Hobby Airport to Houston: $75
  • Transfer from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Houston: $100
  • Sprinter Van IAH Transfer to Galveston: $462
  • Sprinter Van Airport Transfer in Houston: $320
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $100
  • Sedan Airport Transfer IAH to Galveston: $256
  • SUV Airport Transfer to Galveston: $299
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Columbus or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Columbus 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
    Columbus $39
    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.
    Columbus $37
    Houston $11

Tours and Activities in Columbus

For Columbus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus: $11
  • Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $21
  • Central Park Bike Tour: $53
  • New York City: 3-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour: $60

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • 1-Day Houston City Tour ( Houston departure ) (HU1): $60
  • 1-Day Mexico Gulf+NASA Tour (Houston departure) (X1): $60
  • 2-Day Austin+San Antonio Tour (Huston departure)(HS2): $198
  • 2-Days New Orleans Tour (Houston departure)(HN2): $238
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $31
  • 7-Day Texas Tour ( Houston departure ) ( APH7 ): $788
  • Astroville Light Rail Train Tour of Houston with Tunnel Access: $40
  • Astroville Rockets Basketball Game Day Tour with Tunnel Access: $36
  • Astroville Underground Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston: $26
  • Astroville Weekend Downtown Houston Tour With Tunnel Access: $35
  • Audi R8 Supercar Experience at Grandsport Speedway: $435
  • Best City Tour 2 hours: $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Columbus $16
    Houston $11

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 Columbus and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Columbus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbus 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 Columbus.


When is the best time to visit Columbus 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 Columbus or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Columbus during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Columbus is cooler than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July are around 77°F (25°C), and Houston is about 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 Columbus. Columbus usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Columbus gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Columbus 77°F (25°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and 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 October, Columbus is generally much colder than Houston. Temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Houston stays around 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Columbus usually receives less rain than Houston. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Columbus 57°F (14°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Houston. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Columbus in the winter. Columbus is much colder than Houston in the winter. The temperature in Columbus is usually 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Houston stays around 52°F (11°C).

Columbus usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Columbus gets 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Columbus 30°F (-1°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Columbus or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Columbus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Columbus is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Columbus in April are around 54°F (12°C), and Houston is about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Columbus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Columbus gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Columbus 54°F (12°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Columbus

Columbus Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 30°F (-1°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 33°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 45°F (7°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 54°F (12°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 65°F (18°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 73°F (23°C) 4 inches (102 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 77°F (25°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 69°F (20°C) 3 inches (76 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 57°F (14°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)


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Columbus vs. Houston Travel Comparison

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