A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Houston for Nightlife, Food, Music, and Families

Should you visit Malaga or Houston?

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 Malaga and Houston. 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Houston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than Malaga. Houston is bigger than Malaga, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Houston and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston.

How is Malaga different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Malaga or Houston?

Houston is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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.

Is Malaga or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Malaga just to party. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Malaga or Houston Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

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

Is Malaga or Houston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Houston Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Houston?

Both Malaga and Houston are notable shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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.

Is Malaga or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Houston Better for Couples?

Malaga and Houston both notable destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Houston is a good port 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 Malaga or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga 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 Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Malaga or Houston Better for Students?

Malaga is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

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

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

Malaga is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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.

Is Malaga or Houston a more walkable city?

Malaga is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

Houston is generally not a very walkable port 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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Houston. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

One day in Malaga or Houston?

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Houston?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Houston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Houston?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern big city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga is in Europe and Houston is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Malaga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malaga 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 Malaga.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Houston, 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 Malaga or Houston?

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 Malaga or Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Houston. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

Malaga is cooler than Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Houston. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Houston. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Malaga is cooler than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Houston. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the activities around the city during these months.

Malaga is cooler than Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Malaga