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

Should you visit Houston or Arlington?

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 Arlington. 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 southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Arlington

Arlington is a historical, educational, and international city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery


Is there more to do in Houston or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Arlington, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Arlington is known for its food. Arlington is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. 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 Houston different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington 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 Arlington?

Houston
Arlington

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Houston and Arlington.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Arlington offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.


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

Houston
Arlington

Arlington is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arlington. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

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 Houston or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Arlington

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Houston and Arlington.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Arlington for the nightlife scene. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

Is Houston or Arlington Better for Music?

Houston
Arlington

Houston is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Arlington?

Houston
Arlington

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arlington 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.

Arlington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Houston or Arlington Better for Families?

Houston
Arlington

Houston is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Houston or Arlington Better for Couples?

Houston
Arlington

Houston and Arlington both good destinations for a couple.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Arlington is a good city for couples to visit. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.


Is Houston or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Houston
Arlington

Arlington is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Arlington is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Houston or Arlington Better for Students?

Houston
Arlington

Arlington is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Arlington. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

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

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

Houston
Arlington

Arlington is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Arlington can get you around easily. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Houston or Arlington a more walkable city?

Houston
Arlington

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

Arlington is a very walkable city. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Houston Worth Visiting? and Is Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Houston?

How long in Houston or Arlington?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.


  • How many days in Houston or Arlington? Ideal Length of Stay
    Houston 2-3 
    Arlington 2-4

One day in Houston or Arlington?

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 Arlington, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Houston or Arlington?

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 Arlington, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arlington has to offer.


Five days in Houston or Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse 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.

Arlington 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.

A week in Houston or Arlington?

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 Arlington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arlington. 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Arlington or Houston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, while the average daily cost in Arlington is $264. 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 Houston and Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Houston and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Houston or Arlington? 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 Houston


Hotels in Arlington


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: Houston Hotel Prices and Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Houston $72
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $548
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $170
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Houston APT-HTL (IAH): $151
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Houston IAH airport : $100
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington and Houston 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
    Houston $35
    Arlington $81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $88
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Houston $14
    Arlington $11

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $46
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $35
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Enchanting Christmas Adventure in Magical Houston Holiday: $293
  • Enchanting A Romantic Urban Adventure: $468
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Houston $13
    Arlington $17

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
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


When comparing the travel costs between Houston and Arlington, we can see that Arlington 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Arlington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Houston or Arlington?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arlington. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Arlington, 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 Arlington?

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 Houston or Arlington in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Houston is around the same temperature as Arlington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Arlington averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Arlington. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Houston 84°F (29°C) 
    Arlington 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Houston or Arlington in the Autumn?

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

In October, Houston is generally a little warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Arlington. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Houston 71°F (22°C) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Houston or Arlington in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Arlington in the winter. Houston is much warmer than Arlington in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Arlington. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Houston 52°F (11°C) 
    Arlington 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Houston or Arlington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Arlington. The activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Arlington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Arlington. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Houston 70°F (21°C) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Houston

Houston Arlington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)