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

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.

Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming, down-to-earth, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Columbus and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Columbus or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Columbus. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Columbus is famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Columbus different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

Houston is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Columbus or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Columbus or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Columbus or Houston?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Columbus and Houston.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Columbus or Houston Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Columbus or Houston.

Columbus is a very family-friendly destination. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

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.

Is Columbus or Houston Better for Couples?

Houston is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

Is Columbus or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Columbus and Houston.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Public transit is generally 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 Columbus or Houston a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is a somewhat walkable place. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Columbus Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Columbus?

How long in Columbus or Houston?

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

Families should spend more time in Houston than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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.

One day in Columbus or Houston?

In Columbus, 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 Columbus or Houston?

In Columbus, 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 Columbus 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 Columbus or Houston?

Columbus 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 Columbus or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbus. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Columbus. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Columbus or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Columbus. When comparing the sizes of Columbus 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 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. Most visitors come to Columbus 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.

In the summer, Columbus is cooler than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Columbus in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Houston averages at 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.

Should I visit Columbus or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Columbus and Houston. The autumn months attract visitors to Columbus 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 October, Columbus is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Columbus average around 57°F (14°C), and Houston fluctuates 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.

Should I visit Columbus or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Columbus as well as Houston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Columbus this time of year. 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 daily temperature in Columbus averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates 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.

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 average around 54°F (12°C), and Houston averages at 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.

Typical Weather for Houston and Columbus