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

Should you visit Houston or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a laid back, scenic, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Roanoke?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Roanoke, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Roanoke is known for its hiking. Roanoke is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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 Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

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

Houston is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Houston or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Houston is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

Is Houston or Roanoke Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

Roanoke is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Roanoke. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Roanoke?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Roanoke 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.

Roanoke has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Houston or Roanoke Better for Families?

Houston is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Roanoke is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Houston or Roanoke Better for Couples?

Roanoke is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Roanoke frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor activities.

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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is a good destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of backpackers visit Roanoke. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Houston or Roanoke Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not popular with students.

Is Houston or Roanoke 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 Roanoke.

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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

Is Houston or Roanoke a more walkable city?

Houston and Roanoke both are decent 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.

Roanoke is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Houston?

How long in Houston or Roanoke?

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

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

One day in Houston or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke, you'll find museums and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Roanoke has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Roanoke. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Roanoke?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Roanoke. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

Both Roanoke and Houston during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Houston is around the same temperature as Roanoke. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Roanoke averages at about 79°F (26°C).

Roanoke gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Roanoke in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Roanoke. Many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Roanoke in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Houston is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Houston or Roanoke in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Houston as well as Roanoke. Many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Roanoke can be very cold during winter. Houston is much warmer than Roanoke in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Roanoke fluctuates around 38°F (3°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Roanoke in the Spring?

Both Roanoke and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Houston is a little warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Roanoke averages at about 59°F (15°C).

In April, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Roanoke. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Houston