Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Houston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Houston or Tucson?
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 Tucson. 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.
Where Should I go: Houston or Tucson?
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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.
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Houston Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHouston $287Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $287, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHouston $142Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHouston $284Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Houston and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Houston or Tucson? 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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Houston $72Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
- SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
- Private Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Port : $156
- Private Transfer from George Bush Airport(IAH) to Galveston Port : $223
- Private Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (HOU): $156
- Private Transfer from Galveston Port to George Bush Airport (IAH): $223
- Private Transfer IAH Airport to Houston Space Center Galveston: $42
- Private One-way Transfer from Houston to George Bush Airport : $78
- Private One-way Transfer from George Bush Airport to Houston: $78
- Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $54
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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 $60Tucson $63
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: $75
- Fun Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $80
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $80
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $95
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
- French Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 3-Course Meal): $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Houston $14Tucson $16
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- H- Town 3rd Ward Tour with 15ft Party Truck : $46
- Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transport: $95
- 1 Hour Private Christmas Lights Tour in Houston : $39
- 2 Hour December Holiday Lights Tour: $65
- 2-Hour Houston Skyline Tour: $69
- 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
- 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
- 75 Min Best of Houston Small Group Tour : $36
- 75 Min Best of Houston tour Small-Group : $36
- All day Galveston Tour From Houston with Tall Ship Elissa & Dolphin Watch: $235
- All-Inclusive Hip-Hop Brunch Party Bike Tour: $65
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHouston $13Tucson $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Houston Hustle Bar Crawl: $15
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and Tucson, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Tucson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tucson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tucson 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 Tucson.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Houston Expensive? and Is Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Houston or Tucson?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tucson. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Tucson, 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.