Which place is cheaper, Yellowstone National Park or Houston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Yellowstone National Park. 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 is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.
Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking, vast, and world-famous national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Yellowstone National Park are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Yellowstone National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Yellowstone National Park is more touristy than Houston and is known for its iconic geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, world-class hikes, and diverse wildlife. 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.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yellowstone National Park and Houston. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Houston is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.
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.
Yellowstone National Park does not have museums and landmarks.
Houston is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Houston area. 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.
Yellowstone National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This is a large park and there are a number of dining options available both inside and just outside of the park. Many places are seasonal so your options will be highest during the summer months. Like most national park venues, prices can be high and the quality is variable. It's recommended that you pack your own food and plan to picnic.
Houston is well known for its evening party scene. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.
Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.
Yellowstone National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.
Houston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Yellowstone National Park 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.
Yellowstone National Park is not a live music destination.
Yellowstone National Park is well known for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.
There are plenty of resorts in Yellowstone National Park to choose from. It is a large national park, and there are several impressive lodges nearby. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Within the park, Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge, Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are all nice options.
Houston is not a resort destination.
Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.
Yellowstone National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The park is huge, and there are countless hikes throughout. From short strolls to lengthy endeavors, there really is something for everyone. If you want to see the geysers, some of the best hikes are Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail, the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop, and the Lone Star Geyser Trail. For waterfalls you can check out Brink of the Lower Falls Trail, the North Rim Trail, and Fairy Falls Trail.
Houston is not a hiking destination.
Houston is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Many visitors go to Houston to go shopping. 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.
Yellowstone National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Both Houston and Yellowstone National Park are superb 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 Yellowstone National Park. Kids who enjoy the outdoors and exploring new environments will appreciate a visit to this park. The geysers are fascinating for everyone and the waterfalls are breathtaking. There are ranger shows and other activities that are great for kids as well. Make sure you stop by the Visitor's Centers.
Yellowstone National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Yellowstone National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This park is a beautiful and romantic destination for couples who enjoy the outdoors. There are world-renowned hikes and breathtaking views. There are also lodges in the area that make for a romantic stay.
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.
Yellowstone National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Yellowstone National Park. Backpackers will appreciate the campgrounds and affordable facilities that are found around the park. Reservations are recommended well in advance, particularly if you're hoping to stay inside the park.
Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.
Houston is a popular place for students. However, Yellowstone National Park 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.
Yellowstone National Park is not popular with students.
Houston is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
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 quite limited in Yellowstone National Park. There is no public transportation service available in the park. There are private tour options available.
Houston is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Yellowstone National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.
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.
Yellowstone National Park is not a very walkable city. This is among the largest national parks and a car is an absolute must if you hope to experience the different landscapes.
For even more information, also check out Is Houston Worth Visiting? and Is Yellowstone National Park Worth Visiting?.
Both Houston and Yellowstone National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yellowstone National Park than in Houston. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 5-7 days is enough time in Yellowstone National Park.
Families should spend more time in Houston than Yellowstone National Park. 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 Yellowstone National Park. 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 Yellowstone National Park 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.
Houston is a southern city where you can fill many days. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find . Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Houston is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.
In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.
Yellowstone National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yellowstone National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Houston is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yellowstone National Park. In Yellowstone National Park, you'll find . One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
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.
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 Yellowstone National Park is $147. 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 Yellowstone National Park in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Houston or Yellowstone National Park? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
Prices for flights to both Yellowstone National Park 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few actual costs in Yellowstone National Park for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Houston and Yellowstone National Park, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Yellowstone National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yellowstone National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Houston Expensive? and Is Yellowstone National Park Expensive?.