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

Should you visit Houston or Cleveland?

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 Cleveland. 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. 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.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a diverse, authentic, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston and Cleveland: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Houston or Cleveland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Cleveland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Cleveland attracts visitors for its music. 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. Cleveland is famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people.

How is Houston different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston
Cleveland

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

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.

Cleveland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.


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

Houston
Cleveland

Houston is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Houston or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Cleveland

Houston is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Houston has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Cleveland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

Is Houston or Cleveland Better for Music?

Houston
Cleveland

Cleveland is well known for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

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


Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Cleveland?

Houston
Cleveland

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cleveland 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.

Cleveland has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Houston or Cleveland Better for Families?

Houston
Cleveland

Houston is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Houston or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Houston
Cleveland

Houston is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.


Is Houston or Cleveland Better for Students?

Houston
Cleveland

Houston is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Cleveland is not popular with students.

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

Houston
Cleveland

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Cleveland.

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 mostly limited in Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way to get around.

Is Houston or Cleveland a more walkable city?

Houston
Cleveland

Houston and Cleveland 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.

Cleveland is generally not a very walkable city. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.


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

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Houston?

How long in Houston or Cleveland?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Houston or Cleveland? Ideal Length of Stay
    Houston 2-3 
    Cleveland 1-3

One day in Houston or Cleveland?

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 Cleveland, you'll find nightlife and live music. 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland, you'll find live music 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 Cleveland has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Cleveland?

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.

Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

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


Which place is cheaper, Cleveland 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 Cleveland is $132. 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 Cleveland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Cleveland $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Cleveland $150
Compare Hotels in Houston and Cleveland

Looking for a hotel in Houston or Cleveland? 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 Cleveland


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 Cleveland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Houston $72
    Cleveland $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $538
  • 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
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $70
  • Private Hotel Transfer in Houston: $80
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $51
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $167
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $161
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $345
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $161

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cleveland are as follows:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cleveland

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

  • CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland: $135
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer : $89
  • Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $178
  • Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer : $89
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE): $64
  • Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE): $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Cleveland?

Prices for flights to both Cleveland 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
    Cleveland $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $1.79
  • Sandwich
    $9.75
  • Large Pizza
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • West Side Market Food Tour: $49
  • Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $74
  • Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour: $75
  • Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland: $91

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Houston $14
    Cleveland $40

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
  • 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 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
  • Driving City Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $85
  • Enchanting A Romantic Urban Adventure: $459

Tours and Activities in Cleveland

For Cleveland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cleveland History Center General Admission Ticket: $15
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Cleveland with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
  • Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour : $24
  • Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
  • Eerie Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour: $24
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland: $25
  • Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle: $25
  • Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game Ticket at Progressive Field: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Houston $13
    Cleveland $45

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cleveland

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Cleveland are as follows:


  • A Night of Shots
    $36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Houston or Cleveland?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cleveland. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland in the Summer?

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

In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Cleveland. Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Cleveland. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Houston 84°F (29°C) 
    Cleveland 75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Houston or Cleveland in the Autumn?

Both Cleveland 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 Cleveland because of the shopping scene and the music scene.

Houston is much warmer than Cleveland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Cleveland fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Houston 71°F (22°C) 
    Cleveland 56°F (13°C)

Should I visit Houston or Cleveland in the Winter?

Both Cleveland 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cleveland this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cleveland in the winter. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Cleveland averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Houston 52°F (11°C) 
    Cleveland 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Houston or Cleveland in the Spring?

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

In April, Houston is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Houston 70°F (21°C) 
    Cleveland 51°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Houston

Houston Cleveland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 40°F (5°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 71°F (21°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 75°F (24°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 56°F (13°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 45°F (7°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 34°F (1°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)