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

Should you visit Manchester or Houston?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Manchester than Houston. While Houston is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its food, music, and shopping, while Houston attracts visitors for its big city activities. Manchester is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Manchester different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Manchester or Houston.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Houston can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Houston Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Manchester and Houston.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Houston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Houston Better for Music?

Manchester 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 Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Houston?

Manchester is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best 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.

Is Manchester or Houston Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Houston.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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.

Is Manchester or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Manchester or Houston Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

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

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

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester or Houston a more walkable city?

Manchester is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Houston?

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

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Houston. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Manchester, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester 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 Manchester.

One day in Manchester or Houston?

Because Manchester 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.

With live music and food around the sprawling city of Houston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Houston?

Because Manchester 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 Manchester has to offer.

With food and shopping around the big city destination of Houston, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Houston?

Manchester 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.

Houston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Manchester is in Europe and Houston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Manchester in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Manchester is much colder than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Manchester is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Manchester usually receives less rain than Houston. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Manchester because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

The weather in Manchester can be very cold. Manchester is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Manchester usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Houston. The activities around the city are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Manchester is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Manchester usually receives less rain than Houston. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Manchester