A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Houston for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Nags Head or Houston?

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

Should I visit Nags Head or Houston? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nags Head

And you can't forget about the food.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Nags Head and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Nags Head and Houston are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston. Nags Head is famous for

How is Nags Head different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Houston?

Nags Head
Houston

Houston is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

Houston offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Houston

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Nags Head and Houston can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Houston. 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 Nags Head or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Houston

Houston is great for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Houston Better for Music?

Nags Head
Houston

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

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

Nags Head is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Houston?

Nags Head
Houston

Houston is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Houston. 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.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Houston Better for Families?

Nags Head
Houston

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nags Head or Houston.

Nags Head is a very family-friendly destination. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

Houston is a very kid-friendly . 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 Nags Head or Houston Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Houston

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Houston make for a nice place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.


Is Nags Head or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Houston

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nags Head. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nags Head or Houston Better for Students?

Nags Head
Houston

Houston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head is not popular with students.

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

Nags Head
Houston

Houston is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have 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.

Nags Head does not have public transit.


Is Nags Head or Houston a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Houston

Houston is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Houston. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Houston than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Nags Head or Houston?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. This offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Nags Head or Houston?

In Nags Head, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Houston because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Nags Head or Houston?

Nags Head is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nags Head has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Houston. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nags Head or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. In Nags Head, you'll find food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    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
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $345
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $167
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $167
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Houston APT-HTL (IAH): $151
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $107
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    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: $70
  • 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
  • Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

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
  • The Art of Fufu Cookbook Experience: West African Soup & Fufu : $100
  • 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: $89
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $89
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    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 Nags Head and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Nags Head much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nags Head would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nags Head 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 Nags Head.

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


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Houston. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nags Head is cooler than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nags Head in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Nags Head 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
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In October, Nags Head is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 62°F (16°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Houston. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Nags Head during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Nags Head this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nags Head in the winter. Nags Head is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 41°F (5°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Houston. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Houston. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nags Head is cooler than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nags Head in April average around 59°F (15°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Nags Head

Nags Head Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)