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

Should you visit Houston or New York City?

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 New York City. 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Houston travel costs.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See New York City travel costs.

Houston and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Houston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Houston different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City 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 New York City are among the most recognizable in the world. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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 New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Houston is not a theatre destination.

New York City is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Houston is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Houston or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City 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 New York City, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Houston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City 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 New York City just to party. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City 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 New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

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 New York City?

New York City 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 New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

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 New York City More Beautiful?

New York City is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Houston or New York City Better for Families?

Both Houston and New York City are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Houston is a very kid-friendly city. 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 family-friendly things to do in New York City. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Houston or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

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 New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Houston or New York City Better for Students?

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

New York City is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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 New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City 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 New York City can get you around easily. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

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 New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

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 New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Houston?

How long in Houston or New York City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City 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 New York City.

One day in Houston or New York City?

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In New York City, 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In New York City, 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 New York City?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

New York City 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 New York City has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Houston. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. In New York City, you'll find theater and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Houston or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Houston and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Houston as well as New York City. The summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as New York City. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Houston is much warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than New York City. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Houston or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Houston during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to New York City in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

New York City can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Houston usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as New York City. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and New York City. Many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Houston is generally much warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In April, Houston usually receives less rain than New York City. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Houston