A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Houston for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Houston

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Saint Augustine and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Saint Augustine and Houston are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Augustine attracts visitors for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Houston and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. 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 Saint Augustine different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Houston?

Saint Augustine
Houston

Both Saint Augustine and Houston have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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 Saint Augustine or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Houston

Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

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 Saint Augustine or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Houston

Houston is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Houston know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Houston Better for Music?

Saint Augustine
Houston

Houston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Houston Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Houston

Saint Augustine is well known for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Saint Augustine for it's beautiful beaches. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Houston

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

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Houston?

Saint Augustine
Houston

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

Saint Augustine is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

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 Saint Augustine or Houston Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Houston

Saint Augustine and Houston are both great destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Houston is very family-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 Saint Augustine or Houston Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Houston

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

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Houston Better for Students?

Saint Augustine
Houston

Houston is a nice place to visit for students. However, Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

Houston is popular with students. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.


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

Saint Augustine
Houston

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Houston.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Houston a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Houston

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

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Houston?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Saint Augustine or Houston?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Saint Augustine or Houston?

In Saint Augustine, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Houston?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint Augustine. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Houston. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Saint Augustine?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, 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 Saint Augustine and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine


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: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Houston $72

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 Saint Augustine or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Saint Augustine 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
    Saint Augustine $49
    Houston $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

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

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

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.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

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

  • St Augustine Haunted History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Child Friendly Pirate Walking Tour: $10
  • Historic Museum Tour Ticket: $16
  • Haunting Hour Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine: $18
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Walking History Tour of St. Augustine's Historic District: $25
  • Walking Tour in North City Cemeteries of St. Augustine: $25
  • St. Augustine Ghost Tour: A Ghostly Encounter: $25
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Ghost Tour of St. Augustine: The Original Haunted History Tour: $25

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
    Saint Augustine $25
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63

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 Saint Augustine and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Saint Augustine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Augustine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine.

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


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the beaches 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 the summer, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Augustine in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Houston. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Augustine 82°F (28°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 70°F (21°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Saint Augustine is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Augustine 70°F (21°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Houston in the Winter?

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

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives less rain than Houston. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Augustine 53°F (12°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the spring, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Augustine in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Augustine 68°F (20°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)