A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Galveston vs. Minneapolis for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Galveston or Minneapolis?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Galveston and Minneapolis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Galveston

Galveston is a charming, coastal, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a innovative, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Galveston and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Galveston or Minneapolis?

You'll generally find more things to do in Minneapolis than Galveston. Minneapolis is bigger than Galveston, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Minneapolis is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Galveston is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and small town charm. Galveston is more touristy than Minneapolis and is known for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Minneapolis is well known for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. Also, Minneapolis is famous for Mall of America.

How is Galveston different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Galveston or Minneapolis?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Galveston and Minneapolis.

Many visitors head to Galveston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Minneapolis can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.


Is the Food Better in Galveston or Minneapolis? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Galveston and Minneapolis can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Galveston has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Galveston or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Galveston
Minneapolis

The vibe at night is excellent in both Galveston and Minneapolis.

Many people head to Galveston for the nightlife scene. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Galveston or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Galveston is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.


Is Galveston or Minneapolis Better for its Old Town?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Galveston. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Minneapolis does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galveston or Minneapolis?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Minneapolis draws large crowds to its stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

Many visitors go to Galveston to go shopping. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Galveston or Minneapolis Better for Families?

Galveston
Minneapolis

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Galveston or Minneapolis.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Galveston is very family-friendly. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

Minneapolis is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.


Is Galveston or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Galveston is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Galveston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

Minneapolis is a good town for couples to visit. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Galveston or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Galveston is not popular with students.

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

Galveston is not popular with students.

Is Galveston or Minneapolis Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Galveston is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Minneapolis offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.


Is Galveston or Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Galveston
Minneapolis

Galveston and Minneapolis are notable when it comes to walkability.

Galveston is a somewhat walkable place. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

Minneapolis is a somewhat walkable town. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

For even more information, also check out Is Galveston Worth Visiting? and Is Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Galveston?

How long in Galveston or Minneapolis?

It's fun to spend time in either Galveston or Minneapolis. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Minneapolis due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Galveston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Minneapolis.

Families should spend more time in Galveston than Minneapolis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Galveston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Minneapolis than Galveston 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 Minneapolis.


  • How many days in Galveston or Minneapolis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Galveston 1-3 
    Minneapolis 2-4

One day in Galveston or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic town of Galveston. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Minneapolis. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Galveston or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Galveston. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Minneapolis. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Galveston or Minneapolis?

The coastal town of Galveston offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the innovative city of Minneapolis. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Galveston or Minneapolis?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galveston. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Minneapolis is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis or Galveston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Galveston is $183, while the average daily cost in Minneapolis is $206. 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 Galveston and Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Galveston $81
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Galveston $162
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Galveston and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Galveston or Minneapolis? 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 Galveston


Hotels in Minneapolis


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: Galveston Hotel Prices and Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Galveston $35
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston Port to HOU Airport: $167
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $192
  • Galveston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) Private Transfer: $192
  • Galveston Port to William Hobby Airport Departure Transfer: $167

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Galveston or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis and Galveston 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
    Galveston $52
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galveston

For Galveston, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Taste of the Strand Food Tour on Galveston Island: $105

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Galveston $15
    Minneapolis $27

Tours and Activities in Galveston

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Galveston.

  • 2 Hours Private Cemeteries of Galveston Walking Tour: $179
  • Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour: $15
  • Authentic Galveston Ghost City Tour: $25
  • Baywatch Dolphin Tour : $25
  • Baywatch Galveston Island Bus Tours: $25
  • Dark Side and Cemeteries of Galveston – Walking Tour: $351
  • Demo and Reno Galveston Reconstructed Private Tour: $85
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $34
  • Galveston Cemetery Private Tour: $85
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District: $25
  • Galveston Dark of the Moon Tour: $25
  • Galveston Ghosts of the Gulf Haunted Tour: $33

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour in Minneapolis: $55
  • Challah Baking Experience: $72
  • Christmas in the City: A Minneapolis Walking Tour: $687
  • Complete Minneapolis Walking Tour: $99
  • Experience St. Paul Ghost Walking Tour: $29
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Minneapolis with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Mall of America: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure: $44
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Galveston $37
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Galveston

Also in Galveston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting : $10
  • Happy Hour Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston's Best Pub Crawl: $25
  • Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

Also in Minneapolis, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Galveston and Minneapolis, we can see that Minneapolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Galveston or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Galveston and Minneapolis, 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 Galveston or Minneapolis?

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 Galveston or Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galveston and Minneapolis. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galveston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Galveston is a little warmer than Minneapolis in the summer. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

In July, Galveston usually receives less rain than Minneapolis. Galveston gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Galveston 84°F (29°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galveston as well as Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Galveston for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Galveston is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galveston in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Galveston usually gets more rain in October than Minneapolis. Galveston gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Galveston 71°F (22°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Galveston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galveston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. In January, Galveston is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Galveston average around 52°F (11°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

In January, Galveston usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Galveston gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Galveston 52°F (11°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Galveston or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Galveston during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galveston for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

Galveston is much warmer than Minneapolis in the spring. The daily temperature in Galveston averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

Galveston usually gets more rain in April than Minneapolis. Galveston gets 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Galveston 70°F (21°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Galveston

Galveston Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)