A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florence vs. Houston for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Florence or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Florence 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.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Florence and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florence or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Florence than Houston. While Houston is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Houston is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Florence different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Florence or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Houston has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Florence or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Florence is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Florence is not a live music destination.

Is Florence or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Florence or Houston?

Florence is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Florence is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Florence or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Houston is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Florence or Houston Better for Couples?

Florence is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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

Is Florence or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Florence or Houston Better for Students?

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

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

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

Florence is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Public transit is mostly 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 Florence or Houston a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

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 Florence Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Florence?

How long in Florence or Houston?

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Houston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Houston 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 Florence.

One day in Florence or Houston?

In Florence, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 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 Florence or Houston?

In Florence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence 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 Florence or Houston?

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. 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 Florence or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Florence and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Florence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Florence is in Europe and Houston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Florence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florence 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 Florence.

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

Which is Bigger, Florence or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Florence as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Florence is cooler than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Florence usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Florence gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Florence are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Florence is cooler than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Florence in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Florence usually receives less rain than Houston. Florence gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Florence or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Florence during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Florence is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Florence average around 7°C (45°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Florence usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Florence gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Florence or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Florence and Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Florence is much colder than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Florence averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

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

Typical Weather for Houston and Florence