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

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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.

Which city is cheaper, Houston or Dayton?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $259, 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 Dayton and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dayton $200
    Houston $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dayton $400
    Houston $226
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.

Hotels in Dayton


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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dayton $20
    Houston $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dayton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dayton:

  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Arrival Private Transfer: $133
  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Departure Private Transfer: $133
  • James M. Cox Dayton Airport (DAY) to Dayton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $266

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 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dayton $49
    Houston $28
Typical Food prices in Dayton

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:


  • Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)
    $17
  • 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.

  • 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.
    Dayton -
    Houston $11

Tours and Activities in Dayton

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

  • Daytona Beach: Daytona 500 NASCAR Race Ticket: $249

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
    Dayton -
    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 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.


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. Temperatures in Dayton average around 78°F (26°C), and Houston stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dayton 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 temperature in Dayton is usually 57°F (14°C) in October, and Houston stays 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dayton 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 are around 30°F (-1°C), and Houston is 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dayton 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. Temperatures in Dayton average around 55°F (13°C), and Houston stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dayton 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)


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Dayton vs. Houston Travel Comparison

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