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

Should you visit Naples or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Houston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Naples and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Houston?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Naples than Houston. While Houston is larger than Naples, Naples has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Naples is more popular for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Houston is known for its music and big city activities. Naples is more touristy than Houston and is known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito. Houston is popular for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Naples different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Naples or Houston.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Naples or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples 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 Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Naples and Houston.

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Naples is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Naples or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Houston?

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

Naples is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples or Houston Better for Families?

Houston is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Naples or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Naples or Houston Better for Students?

Naples and Houston are good places to visit for students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

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

Naples 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 Naples can get you to some places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples or Houston a more walkable city?

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

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Naples?

How long in Naples or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and Houston. In our opinion, Naples has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Naples than Houston. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

One day in Naples or Houston?

Because Naples 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Houston. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Naples or Houston?

Because Naples 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer.

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 Naples or Houston?

Naples is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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 Naples or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week 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 Naples and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Naples 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 Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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 Naples 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 Naples or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Naples is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 23°C (74°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Naples usually receives less rain than Houston. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Naples or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Naples during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Naples is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually gets more rain in October than Houston. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Houston. Most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Naples is cooler than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Naples in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Naples usually receives more rain than Houston. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Naples or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Naples as well as Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

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

Naples usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Naples