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

Should you visit Houston or Chicago?

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 Chicago. 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 one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and beaches.

Houston and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Houston, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more touristy than Houston and is known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Houston different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Chicago are among the most recognizable in the world. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Is Houston or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Houston is not a theatre destination.

Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Houston is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Chicago, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago 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 Chicago just to party. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Houston or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Chicago The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is Houston or Chicago Better for Beaches?

Chicago is a good destination for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Chicago offers a nice beach destination. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Chicago make it a world-class shopping destination. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Houston or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Chicago. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Houston or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a good destination for its Christmas markets. However, Houston does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Houston does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Houston or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago 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, Chicago is very family-friendly. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago Better for Couples?

Houston and Chicago 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.

Chicago is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Houston or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Houston or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Chicago is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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 Chicago Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chicago 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 Chicago can get you around easily. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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 Chicago a more walkable city?

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

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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 Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Houston?

How long in Houston or Chicago?

In either Houston or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Houston because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Houston or Chicago?

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Chicago, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Chicago?

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Houston has to offer.

In Chicago, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Chicago?

Houston 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.

Chicago is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chicago has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Houston. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Chicago. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Houston is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. It's quite rainy in Houston. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Chicago. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Houston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Houston is generally much warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Chicago. Most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Chicago because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chicago can be very cold. Houston is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Chicago. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Houston as well as Chicago. The spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Houston usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Houston