Which place is cheaper, Houston or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Houston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Houston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Houston?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dayton and Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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.
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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Houston $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $51
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $62
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Private Hotel Transfer in Houston: $80
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $105
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston and Dayton 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
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Houston $35
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $86
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Houston $14
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.26
- Sights of Downtown Houston Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- Houston Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Houston, we can see that Dayton is more expensive. And not only is Houston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Houston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Houston 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Houston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Houston?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Houston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Houston. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dayton is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dayton usually receives less rain than Houston. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Houston. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
Dayton is much colder than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in Houston. Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Houston in the Winter?
Both Houston and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dayton can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dayton is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dayton in January average around 30°F (-1°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In January, Dayton usually receives less rain than Houston. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston and Dayton during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
In April, Dayton is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Dayton usually gets more rain in April than Houston. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Dayton
| Dayton | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.