A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Houston for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach and Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and beaches.

Houston

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Myrtle Beach and Houston: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Myrtle Beach and Houston are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Myrtle Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Houston and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. 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 Myrtle Beach different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Houston is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Houston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Houston is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach just to party. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach or Houston Better for Music?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Houston is very good for its music scene. However, Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.


Is Myrtle Beach or Houston Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Myrtle Beach offers a few options. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Houston Better for Beaches?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Myrtle Beach is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Myrtle Beach for it's beautiful beaches. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Houston is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.


Is Myrtle Beach or Houston Better for Families?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Houston is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Houston is known to be 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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Houston Better for Couples?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Both Myrtle Beach and Houston are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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 Myrtle Beach or Houston Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

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

Many students visit Myrtle Beach. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

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


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

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Houston is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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 Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Houston a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach
Houston

Myrtle Beach and Houston both are decent when exploring on foot.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

Houston is generally not a very walkable beach 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 Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

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

Families should spend more time in Houston than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach.


  • How many days in Myrtle Beach or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Myrtle Beach 2-7 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Houston is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the one-of-a-kind big city of Houston. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. In Myrtle Beach, you'll find nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Myrtle Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Myrtle Beach is $173, 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 Myrtle Beach and Houston in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach


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: Myrtle Beach Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $24
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Myrtle Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Myrtle Beach:

  • Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) to Myrtle Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
  • Myrtle Beach to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Myrtle Beach Airport MYR: $36
  • Private Departure Transfer to Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR): $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $347
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
  • Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $62
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Myrtle Beach or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Myrtle Beach 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
    Myrtle Beach $56
    Houston $35
Typical Food Prices in Myrtle Beach

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Myrtle Beach:


  • Dinner for Two
    $49
  • Diner Breakfast for Two
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Myrtle Beach

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

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Myrtle Beach: $50
  • Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show Ticket in Myrtle Beach: $67
  • North Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Wheel Boat: $70
  • Luau with Polynesian Dinner and Live Show: $71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Montrose Food Tour: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Myrtle Beach $46
    Houston $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Myrtle Beach

Here are a few typical costs in Myrtle Beach for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Mini Golf for Two
    $18
  • Beach Chairs
    $15

Tours and Activities in Myrtle Beach

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

  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience Myrtle Beach, SC: $15
  • Ghosts and Pirates Haunted City Walking Tour: $26
  • Murrells Inlet: Scenic Sunset Cruise: $29
  • Myrtle Beach Ghosts Tour: $30
  • Murrells Inlet: Saltwater Marsh Shelling & Eco Tour: $32
  • Myrtle Beach Military History Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach Area Ghosts, Pirates and Historic Families Trolley Tour: $40
  • The Comedy Shoppe at Wonders Theatre Ticket: $40
  • Early Myrtle Beach History and The WWII Years Trolley Tour: $40
  • Myrtle Beach History, Movies and Music Trolley Tour: $40
  • Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour: $41
  • Escape Room Game Entry Ticket with Host: $41

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.30
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
  • Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
  • Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Myrtle Beach $16
    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
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


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

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


Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Myrtle Beach is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Houston. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Myrtle Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Myrtle Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Myrtle Beach is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 65°F (18°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Myrtle Beach 65°F (18°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Houston. The winter months attract visitors to Myrtle Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the winter, Myrtle Beach is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach in January average around 45°F (7°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Houston. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Myrtle Beach 45°F (7°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Houston. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In April, Myrtle Beach is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 62°F (17°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Myrtle Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Houston. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Myrtle Beach 62°F (17°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 45°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 55°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 62°F (17°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 70°F (21°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 77°F (25°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.1 inches (207 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 80°F (26°C) 6.9 inches (176 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 75°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 65°F (18°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 57°F (14°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 49°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)