A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Houston for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Houston?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Houston can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a relaxing, secluded, and natural island. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and beaches.

Houston

Houston is a southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Jekyll Island and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Jekyll Island and Houston 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 Jekyll Island is known for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Jekyll Island is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. 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 Jekyll Island different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Houston and Jekyll Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Houston?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Houston. 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.

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.


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

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Houston has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Music?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Jekyll Island offers a few options. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Jekyll Island is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Jekyll Island for it's beautiful beaches. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Houston

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

Houston is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jekyll Island or Houston?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Both Jekyll Island and Houston are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Jekyll Island. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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.

Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Both Jekyll Island and Houston are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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.


Is Jekyll Island or Houston Better for Students?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.

Is Jekyll Island or Houston a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Houston

Houston is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.


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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Houston. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston than Jekyll Island 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.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Jekyll Island or Houston?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Houston?

In Jekyll Island, you'll find museums. 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 Jekyll Island has to offer.

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.

Five days in Jekyll Island or Houston?

Jekyll Island is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the diverse 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.


A week in Jekyll Island or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Jekyll Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Jekyll Island?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Jekyll Island and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island or Houston? 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.

Hotels in Jekyll Island


Hotels in Houston


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $538
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
  • Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Jekyll Island 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jekyll Island $45
    Houston $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.

  • Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $86
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jekyll Island $10
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $85
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $85
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70


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

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



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island or Houston?

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 Jekyll Island or Houston in the Summer?

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

In July, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Houston in the Autumn?

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

Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Jekyll Island averages around 70°F (21°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Houston. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Houston in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Jekyll Island in January average around 53°F (12°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Jekyll Island usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Jekyll Island gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Houston. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)