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

Should you visit Stuttgart or Houston?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern 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 southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Stuttgart, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Stuttgart is known for its food and shopping. Stuttgart is popular for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. 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 Stuttgart different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Stuttgart
Houston

Houston is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.


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

Stuttgart
Houston

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Stuttgart
Houston

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Stuttgart and Houston.

Stuttgart has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Houston is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Stuttgart or Houston Better for Music?

Stuttgart
Houston

Houston is a popular place for its music scene. However, Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Houston?

Stuttgart
Houston

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

Stuttgart is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

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 Stuttgart or Houston Better for Families?

Stuttgart
Houston

Houston is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Stuttgart or Houston Better for Couples?

Stuttgart
Houston

With fun activities for couples, both Stuttgart and Houston make for a good place to visit.

Stuttgart is a good city for couples to visit. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

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 Stuttgart or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart
Houston

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Stuttgart or Houston Better for Students?

Stuttgart
Houston

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

Many students visit Stuttgart. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

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

Stuttgart
Houston

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart can get you to some places easily. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

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 Stuttgart or Houston a more walkable city?

Stuttgart
Houston

Stuttgart is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Stuttgart is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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 Stuttgart Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Houston?

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

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

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


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

One day in Stuttgart or Houston?

Because Stuttgart 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Houston. 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 Stuttgart or Houston?

Because Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart has to offer.

You'll find live music and food around the sprawling big city of Houston. 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 Stuttgart or Houston?

Stuttgart 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the one-of-a-kind 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 Stuttgart or Houston?

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

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Stuttgart?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is $176, 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 Stuttgart and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart $108
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart $216
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart


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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart $27
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $109
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $109
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $140
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $176
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $88
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
  • Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart $40
    Houston $35
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    $2.14

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.
    Stuttgart $25
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Wine Museum Ticket: $4.31
  • Landesmuseum Württemberg Old Castle Entry Ticket: $6.46
  • Stuttgart Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Stuttgart Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • TV Tower Tickets: $11
  • Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $13
  • entertaining guided tour to old town highlights: $15
  • Stuttgart city tour: $15
  • Stuttgart city library - an architectural tour: $17
  • Stuttgart Nature Experience Day: $20
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $22

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
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
  • 2-Hour Houston Skyline Tour: $69
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $31
  • 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: $80
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart $23
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $29
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $517

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
  • Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115


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

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


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Stuttgart. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Stuttgart during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stuttgart is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 22°C (71°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stuttgart usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Houston. The autumn months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the city's sights and attractions and 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.

Stuttgart is much colder than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Houston. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Houston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Houston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Stuttgart in the winter. In the winter, Stuttgart is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stuttgart in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Stuttgart usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Stuttgart is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 11°C (53°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Houston. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)