A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Houston vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Houston or Beaver Creek?

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 Beaver Creek. 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 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a active, adventurous, and charming town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

Houston and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Houston or Beaver Creek?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Beaver Creek are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Beaver Creek attracts visitors for its skiing, theatre productions, food, resorts, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere 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 Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Houston or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Houston is not a skiing destination.

Beaver Creek is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Houston is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Houston or Beaver Creek?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Houston is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Houston can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Houston or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is not so good for its theatre productions. However, Houston is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Houston is not a theatre destination.

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

Houston
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Houston is a great city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Houston or Beaver Creek Better for Music?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Houston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Houston is not a resort destination.


Is Houston or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Houston
Beaver Creek

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Beaver Creek?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Houston or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is very family-friendly. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

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.


Is Houston or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Houston
Beaver Creek

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

Couples visit Beaver Creek frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Students?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Houston is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Beaver Creek 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.

Beaver Creek is not popular with students.

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

Houston
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Houston
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek on foot is easy. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Houston?

How long in Houston or Beaver Creek?

Both Houston and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Houston. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek.


  • How many days in Houston or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Houston 2-3 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Houston or Beaver Creek?

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This town 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 Beaver Creek?

Houston is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Beaver Creek, you'll find skiing and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Houston or Beaver Creek?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the diverse big city of Houston. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaver Creek has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Beaver Creek?

Houston is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. In Beaver Creek, you'll find shopping and skiing. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek is $316. 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 Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Houston and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Houston or Beaver Creek? 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 Beaver Creek


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 Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Houston $72
    Beaver Creek $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $540
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $347
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek 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
    Beaver Creek $85

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
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Montrose Food Tour: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Houston $14
    Beaver Creek $53

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: $49
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Houston $13
    Beaver Creek $35

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek is more expensive. And not only is Houston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Houston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Houston 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek than you might in Houston.

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