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

Should you visit Milan 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 Milan 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.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern 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.

Milan and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Milan or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Milan than Houston. While Houston is larger than Milan, Milan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milan is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Milan different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Houston and Milan.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Milan 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 Milan just to party. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan or Houston Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

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

Is Milan or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Milan is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Houston?

Milan is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston. 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Milan or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Milan or Houston Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan or Houston a more walkable city?

Milan is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Milan?

How long in Milan or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milan and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than in Houston. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

One day in Milan or Houston?

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Houston, many people enjoy the live music and food that this diverse big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Milan or Houston?

Because Milan 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Milan or Houston?

Milan 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 Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Houston. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Milan or Houston?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the southern big city of Houston. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, 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 Milan and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan 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 Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 Milan.

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

Which is Bigger, Milan or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Milan. When comparing the sizes of Milan 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 Milan 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 Milan or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Milan as well as Houston. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Milan this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Milan is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 23°C (73°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Milan usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Milan is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Milan averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Milan. In October, Milan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Milan or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Milan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Milan 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.

Milan can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Milan is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Milan in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Milan usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Milan or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Houston. Most visitors come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Milan is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Milan average around 13°C (55°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Milan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Milan