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

Should you visit Tallahassee or Houston?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Houston can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a youthful, lively, and vibrant city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Tallahassee and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Tallahassee, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tallahassee is popular for its capital building and many universities. 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 Tallahassee different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Houston

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Houston and Tallahassee.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Tallahassee or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Houston

Houston is great for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Tallahassee or Houston Better for Music?

Tallahassee
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Tallahassee is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Tallahassee is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Houston?

Tallahassee
Houston

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Houston both offer plenty of good spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

Houston is a great destination for shopping. 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 Tallahassee or Houston Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Houston

Houston is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tallahassee is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Is Tallahassee or Houston Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.


Is Tallahassee or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Houston

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tallahassee or Houston Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Houston

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

Many students visit Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

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

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

Tallahassee
Houston

Tallahassee and Houston both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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 Tallahassee or Houston a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Houston

Tallahassee and Houston are decent when it comes to walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

Houston is generally not very walkable. 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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Houston than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

Families should spend more time in Houston than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Houston 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Houston?

In Tallahassee, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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.

Houston is a southern city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Houston?

In Tallahassee, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Tallahassee has to offer.

Houston is a sprawling big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Tallahassee or Houston?

Tallahassee 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.

The southern city of Houston offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Tallahassee or Houston?

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

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Houston. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Tallahassee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $156, 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 Tallahassee and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee


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: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    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: $548
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $352
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $195
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $195
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $170
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $170
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
  • 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
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Tallahassee 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
    Tallahassee $47
    Houston $35

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
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $88
  • 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.
    Tallahassee $12
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

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

  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $194
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $249
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $382
  • Tallahassee Delights: A Christmas Tour Through Art and Parks: $491

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: $46
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $375
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $35
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
  • Enchanting Christmas Adventure in Magical Houston Holiday: $293
  • Enchanting A Romantic Urban Adventure: $468
  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    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
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Houston?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Houston. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tallahassee or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallahassee for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 69°F (20°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Tallahassee usually receives less rain than Houston. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Tallahassee is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Tallahassee during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tallahassee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallahassee in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Tallahassee usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Houston. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Houston. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 67°F (19°C), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Houston. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)