A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Houston for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Music

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Houston?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a energetic, lively, and fun beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the live music, beaches, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Daytona Beach and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Daytona Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Daytona Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Houston and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also home to The Space Center Houston.

How is Daytona Beach different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Houston?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Houston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have 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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Daytona Beach
Houston

Houston is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Houston area. 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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Daytona Beach just to party. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Daytona Beach or Houston Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Both Daytona Beach and Houston offer good live music venues.

The music scene in Daytona Beach is active and vibrant. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.


Is Daytona Beach or Houston Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Daytona Beach offers a few options. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Houston Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Daytona Beach is a good destination for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach offers a nice beach destination. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Houston?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Houston is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Houston to go shopping. 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.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.


Is Daytona Beach or Houston Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Houston is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Houston Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Houston

With fun activities for couples, both Daytona Beach and Houston make for a good place to visit.

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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.

Is Daytona Beach or Houston Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Daytona Beach is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.


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

Daytona Beach
Houston

Houston is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Daytona Beach or Houston a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Houston

Houston is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Daytona Beach and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Houston than in Daytona Beach. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Daytona Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Houston than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston than Daytona Beach if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Houston.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Houston?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Daytona Beach or Houston?

In Daytona Beach, you'll find live music and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Daytona Beach or Houston?

Daytona Beach 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.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Daytona Beach. Many people enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting Daytona Beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Houston. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Daytona Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, 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 Daytona Beach and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $184
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • 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
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach $80
    Houston $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

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: $72
  • 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: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

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

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Sailing Tour in Daytona Beach: $79

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: $7.30
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $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
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Daytona Beach:

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40

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

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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Daytona Beach. When comparing the sizes of Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach or Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Houston. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and 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 July, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Houston. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Daytona Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Houston. The autumn months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music 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.

Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Houston. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Daytona Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Daytona Beach in January average around 58°F (14°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives less rain than Houston. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 69°F (21°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)