A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Houston for Nightlife, Attractions, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Houston?

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 Gatlinburg and Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Gatlinburg and Houston are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is very popular for its museums, food, music, and big city activities, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Gatlinburg different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Houston is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Houston is not a skiing destination.

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

Houston is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Houston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Houston is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Houston. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg just to party. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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 Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is very good for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

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

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is well known for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Houston?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Houston both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Houston is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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 Gatlinburg or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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 Gatlinburg or Houston a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 490 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the summer for the hiking. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Houston. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Gatlinburg usually receives less rain than Houston. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. Gatlinburg is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Houston. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Houston. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is cooler than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Houston. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Gatlinburg