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

Should you visit Houston or Anchorage?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Anchorage. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a scenic, breathtaking, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Houston and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Anchorage?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Anchorage. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Anchorage attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Anchorage is more touristy than Houston and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture. 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 Houston different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Houston. 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

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

Foodies will find both Houston and Anchorage both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Anchorage is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Houston or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Houston or Anchorage Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for live music. However, Anchorage is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Anchorage is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Anchorage?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Anchorage and Houston.

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.

Anchorage has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Houston or Anchorage Better for Families?

Houston is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly city. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Houston or Anchorage Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

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 Houston or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Anchorage is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Houston or Anchorage Better for Students?

Houston is a city with good options for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Anchorage is not popular with students.

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

Houston is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good 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 Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Houston or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Houston and Anchorage both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Houston?

How long in Houston or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Houston and Anchorage. In our opinion, Houston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Houston than Anchorage. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

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

One day in Houston or Anchorage?

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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.

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Houston or Anchorage?

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. 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.

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the one-of-a-kind city of Houston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Houston or Anchorage?

Houston 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Anchorage?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Anchorage, 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 Houston or Anchorage?

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 Houston or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Anchorage. Most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Houston is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Anchorage. The autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. Houston is much warmer than Anchorage in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Anchorage in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Anchorage averages at about 15°F (-9°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Houston is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Houston