Which place is cheaper, Las Vegas or Houston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Houston or Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas. 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 live music, food, and shopping.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a ritzy, colorful, and sinful entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.
Houston and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons
Houston
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for students
- Big city activities
- Less popular for food
- Less active music scene
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
Las Vegas
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Home to the Strip
- Less family-friendly
Is there more to do in Houston or Las Vegas?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Houston. While Houston is larger than Las Vegas, Las Vegas has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, and shopping, while Houston attracts visitors for its big city activities. Las Vegas is more touristy than Houston and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.
How is Houston different from Las Vegas?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?
Houston
Las Vegas
Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Houston and Las Vegas.
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.
Las Vegas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.
Is Houston or Las Vegas Better for Theater?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Houston is not a theatre destination.
Las Vegas is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.
Houston is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Houston or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.
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 Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas just to party. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.
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 Las Vegas Better for Music?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
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 Las Vegas Better for Resorts?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Las Vegas for its luxury resorts. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.
Houston is not a resort destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Las Vegas?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.
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 Las Vegas Better for Families?
Houston
Las Vegas
Houston is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital 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.
Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.
Is Houston or Las Vegas Better for Couples?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Las Vegas is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.
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 Las Vegas Better for Students?
Houston
Las Vegas
Houston is a good destination for students. However, Las Vegas 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.
Las Vegas is not popular with students.
Is Houston or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Houston
Las Vegas
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Las Vegas.
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 Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.
Is Houston or Las Vegas a more walkable city?
Houston
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.
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 Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Houston?
How long in Houston or Las Vegas?
Both Houston and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Houston. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.
Families should spend more time in Houston than Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas than Houston. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas.
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How many days in Houston or Las Vegas? Ideal Length of StayHouston 2-3Las Vegas 2-7
One day in Houston or Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This entertainment capital 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 Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer.
Five days in Houston or Las Vegas?
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the sprawling 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.
Las Vegas is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Las Vegas has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Houston or Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, you'll find theater and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHouston $262Las Vegas $310
The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $262, while the average daily cost in Las Vegas is $310. 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 Las Vegas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHouston $142Las Vegas $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHouston $284Las Vegas $316
Compare Hotels in Houston and Las Vegas
Looking for a hotel in Houston or Las Vegas? 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.
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 Las Vegas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Houston $72Las Vegas $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $51
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Astroville Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $55
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Private One-way Transfer from Houston to George Bush Airport : $71
- Private One-way Transfer from George Bush Airport to Houston: $71
- Houston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $82
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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24 Hr Bus Pass$15
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24 hrs Deuce Bus$7.00
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Taxi from Airport to the Strip$36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Las Vegas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Las Vegas:
- Airport Transfer: $64
- Arrival Transfer: Airport LAS to Las Vegas by Luxury SUV: $147
- Departure Private Transfer: Las Vegas to Las Vegas Airport by electric vehicle: $89
- From Las Vegas Airport - Transfer to Hotel: $95
- From Las Vegas Hotel - Transfer to Airport: $95
- From Las Vegas Hotels -Hotels to Airport Transfer: $90
- From Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Shuttle Transfer: $200
- Las Vegas Airport (LAS) to Las Vegas - Arrival Private Transfer : $72
- Las Vegas Airport LAS Private Transfer to Las Vegas by SUV: $110
- Las Vegas Airport(LAS)to Lake Las Vegas- Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Las Vegas Airport: Party Bus 1-Way Transfer: $269
- Las Vegas Harry Reid Airport Private Transfer Service: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Las Vegas?
Prices for flights to both Las Vegas 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
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Food Meals for one dayHouston $35Las Vegas $80
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 Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $81
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95
Typical Food Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of dining costs in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Coffee$5.00
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Deep Fried Twinkie$1.07
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Chocolate Dip Banana$1.07
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Gelato$5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Las Vegas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Las Vegas.
- Half-Day Private Manila Food Tour: True Philippine Experience: $40
- Makati Street Food tour Experience with Mari: $73
- Manila Filipino Cooking Class: Meryenda Favorites: $75
- Las Vegas Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $80
- Market Tour and Provincial Filipino Cooking Class in the Countryside: $88
- Private Filipino cooking class in a local Manila Home: $90
- Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show in Las Vegas: $100
- Private Filipino Cooking Class in the Heart of Manila,Makati City: $110
- Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show: $112
- Downtown Las Vegas Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $119
- Sunset Horseback Riding Tour with BBQ Dinner: $120
- Downtown Vegas Food & Fun Tour with Food Tours of America : $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Houston $14Las Vegas $78
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.27
- Sights of Downtown Houston Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston All Access Ticket: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Las Vegas
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Las Vegas are as follows:
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Wedding Chapel$139
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Atomic Testing Museum (two people)$12
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Gondola Ride (4 person)$64
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Monorail Ride$5.00
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NY NY Rollercoaster$14
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Circus Circus Adventure Dome Day Pass$26
Tours and Activities in Las Vegas
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Las Vegas are as follows:
- Las Vegas Strip: Quest Experience: $5.74
- Red Rock Canyon: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Hoover Dam & Lake Mead: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Las Vegas Strip: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- True Crimes and Scandals Walking Tour of The Las Vegas Strip: $12
- Las Vegas Day Trips: Beautiful Scenic Driving Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Sightseeing Highlights Digital Tour: $13
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Red Rock Canyon Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Hoover Dam: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
- Las Vegas Strip Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour : $15
- Lake Mead & Valley of Fire State Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHouston $13Las Vegas $55
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
- Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115
Sample the Local Flavors in Las Vegas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Las Vegas:
- Mobsters, Casinos, and Speaky Bar Crawl: $36
- Bars Unknown - Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl: $49
- Zombie Burlesque Comedy Musical Show Ticket: $50
- Fremont Street Party Bus and Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Fremont Street Bar Crawl: $50
- Las Vegas Country Bar Crawl by Party Bus w/ Free Drinks: $59
- Fantasy Burlesque Show at Luxor Hotel & Casino: $61
- Makati "Pub Crawl & Bar Hopping" Experience with V: $65
- Arts District & Brewery Row - Where the Las Vegas Locals Go: $69
- Nightclub and Bar Crawl with Party Bus and Drinks: $69
- Fremont Street-Old Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
- NIGHTOUT Vegas Bar Crawl: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Houston or Las Vegas?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Las Vegas. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Las Vegas, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.