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

Should you visit Houston or Norfolk?

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 Norfolk. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Houston travel costs.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a maritime, authentic, and blue collar city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Norfolk travel costs.

Houston and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Norfolk?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Norfolk. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. 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. Norfolk is famous for its naval base and military presence.

How is Houston different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

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

Houston is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Houston makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Houston or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Houston know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Houston or Norfolk Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

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

Norfolk is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Norfolk?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Norfolk 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.

Norfolk has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Houston or Norfolk Better for Families?

Houston is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.

Is Houston or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Houston is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal 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 Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Houston or Norfolk Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

Norfolk is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Houston or Norfolk a more walkable city?

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

Norfolk is a somewhat walkable place. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Houston?

How long in Houston or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Houston or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Houston than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

Families should spend more time in Houston than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk. 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 Houston than Norfolk 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 Houston.

One day in Houston or Norfolk?

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

In Norfolk, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Norfolk?

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Houston has to offer.

In Norfolk, you'll find food 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 Norfolk has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Norfolk?

Houston is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Norfolk 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 Norfolk?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Norfolk. 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 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 Norfolk, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Norfolk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Norfolk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Norfolk 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 Norfolk.

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Norfolk?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Houston or Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. It's quite rainy in Houston. In July, Houston usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Houston during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Norfolk in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Houston is a little warmer than Norfolk in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Norfolk fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Norfolk. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Norfolk. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Norfolk for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Norfolk can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Norfolk averages at about 39°F (4°C).

In January, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Norfolk. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Houston as well as Norfolk. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Houston is generally a little warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in April than Norfolk. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Houston