A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Houston vs. Martha's Vineyard for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard. 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. 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a affluent, coastal, and peaceful island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Houston and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Martha's Vineyard are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Martha's Vineyard is known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Martha's Vineyard is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Houston is a great city for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Houston or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Houston is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

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 Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Houston or Martha's Vineyard Better for Music?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Houston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Martha's Vineyard is not a live music destination.


Is Houston or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Houston or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Martha's Vineyard for it's beautiful beaches. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Houston or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Houston is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Martha's Vineyard is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Houston is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Houston or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Students?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Houston is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Martha's Vineyard 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.

Martha's Vineyard is not popular with students.

Is Houston or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Martha's Vineyard.

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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Houston or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Houston
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Houston?

How long in Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard.


  • How many days in Houston or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Houston 2-3 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Martha's Vineyard?

When visiting Houston, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Martha's Vineyard has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Martha's Vineyard. Since Martha's Vineyard is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 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, Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard is $241. 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 Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Houston and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Houston or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Marthas Vineyard


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 Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Houston $72
    Martha's Vineyard $83

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
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $193
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $193
  • 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 Airport (HOU) to Galveston Arrival Private 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $60

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Houston $14
    Martha's Vineyard $30

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 Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $85
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $85
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (APP/GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13
  • Martha's Vinyard Driving & Walking GPS-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • All Island Bus Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Houston $13
    Martha's Vineyard $22

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


When comparing the travel costs between Houston and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Houston 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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Houston or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Houston during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

In the summer, Houston is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Martha's Vineyard. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Houston 84°F (29°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Houston or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Martha's Vineyard. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Houston is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Houston 71°F (22°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Houston or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Houston as well as Martha's Vineyard. Many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. Houston is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Houston usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Martha's Vineyard. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Houston 52°F (11°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Houston or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 48°F (9°C).

In April, Houston usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Houston 70°F (21°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Houston

Houston Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)