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

Should you visit Orlando or Houston?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a entertaining, active, and family-friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, theater, and nightlife.

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.

Orlando and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orlando or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Orlando. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Orlando attracts visitors for its theatre productions, food, resorts, and shopping. Orlando is more touristy than Houston and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Orlando different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Orlando or Houston Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Houston is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Houston is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a live music destination.

Is Orlando or Houston Better for Resorts?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Orlando for its luxury resorts. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orlando or Houston?

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

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando or Houston Better for Christmas?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Orlando is not to be missed. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Orlando or Houston Better for Families?

Orlando is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Orlando is very family-friendly. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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.

Is Orlando or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

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 Orlando or Houston Better for Students?

For students, both Orlando and Houston are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

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

Orlando and Houston both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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.

Is Orlando or Houston a more walkable city?

Houston is adequate for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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.

Orlando is not a walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Houston?

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

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

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

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

One day in Orlando or Houston?

In Orlando, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Houston 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.

A weekend in Orlando or Houston?

In Orlando, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Because Houston 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 Houston has to offer.

Five days in Orlando or Houston?

Orlando is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 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.

A week in Orlando or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orlando and Houston, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Houston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Houston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Houston 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Houston.

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

Which is Bigger, Orlando or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Orlando 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orlando as well as Houston. Most visitors come to Orlando 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, Orlando is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orlando in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Orlando receives a lot of rain in the summer. Orlando usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Orlando gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Orlando are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene. 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, Orlando is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Orlando average around 75°F (24°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Orlando. In October, Orlando usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Orlando gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orlando or Houston in the Winter?

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

Orlando is a little warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Orlando averages around 59°F (15°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Orlando usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Orlando gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orlando or Houston in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Orlando is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orlando in April average around 72°F (22°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Orlando usually receives less rain than Houston. Orlando gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Orlando