Which place is cheaper, Hawaii or Texas?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Texas or Hawaii?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Texas and Hawaii. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Texas or Hawaii?
Texas
Texas is the second largest and second most populated state in the United States. It measures 267,000 square miles in size and exploring even a large section of the state takes longer than you might expect. The size and distinctive culture of the area brings much pride to the state's natives. The state was briefly its own country for ten years, starting in 1836 after the residents rebelled as a territory of first Spain and then Mexico. It then joined the United States in 1845. The state maintains its independent personality and many Texans proudly display the state flag near their home or car.
Hawaii
Located towards the center of the Pacific Ocean and the northeast corner of Polynesia, Hawai'i is the 50th state of the United States of America. It is a major tourist destination for travelers from around the world and as such, its economy is very dependent on the tourist dollar. Historically, the state had strong whaling, sugar and pineapple industries, but today tourism and the military make up a significant part of the economy. The state includes many islands that spread over 1,500 miles, but there are eight main islands which have a diversity of natural beauty and interesting landscapes. The islands offer visitors many impressive features from the beautiful beaches to the lush interior. There is a lot of hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving available throughout the islands. The capital of the state is Honolulu, which is also the largest city. Both Hawaiian and English are spoken throughout.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Texas Prices
USA PricesHawaii Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTexas $228Hawaii $393
The average daily cost (per person) in Texas is $228, while the average daily cost in Hawaii is $393. 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 Texas and Hawaii in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTexas $81Hawaii $214
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTexas $162Hawaii $428
Compare Hotels in Texas and Hawaii
Looking for a hotel in Texas or Hawaii? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Texas $49Hawaii $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Texas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Texas:
- USA George Bush Inter Airport IAH Huston airport private transfer: $150
- Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
- San Antonio to San Antonio Airport (SAT) - Departure Private Transfer: $72
- San Antonio Airport (SAT) to San Antonio - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $143
- SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Dallas Airport (DFW): $163
- Private Transfer: San Antonio City to San Antonio Airport SAT: $110
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from SAT Airport: $50
- Private Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Port: $153
- Private Transfer from George Bush Airport(IAH) to Galveston Port: $217
- Private Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (HOU): $153
- Private Transfer from Galveston Port to George Bush Airport (IAH): $217
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hawaii
Also for Hawaii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
- Departure - Private Transfer Waikiki Hotel to Airport: $50
- Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle From Ko'olina To Honolulu Airport: $53
- Departure Transfer: Airport Shuttle Honolulu and Waikiki or Cruise Terminal: $18
- Explore Waikiki: Self Guided tour from Ko Olina with transfers: $42
- HNL Airport & Waikiki Private Transfer by Brand New Mercedes Van: $160
- Honolulu / Waikiki to Honolulu Airport (HNL) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
- Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Minivan (up to 5 people): $100
- Honolulu Airport & Ko Olina Hotels Private Transfer by Passenger Van(14 ppl): $170
- Honolulu Airport & KoOlina Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 People): $180
- Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Luxury SUV(up to 5 people): $130
- Honolulu Airport & Waikiki Hotels Private Transfer by Minivan (up to 5 people): $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Texas or Hawaii?
Prices for flights to both Hawaii and Texas 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
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Food Meals for one dayTexas $71Hawaii $128
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Texas
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Texas.
- Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk Dinner and Photo Package: $51
- Alamo City Murder Mystery Dinner Show: $70
- Pizza & Pours: Tasting & Lunch at Flat Creek Estate: $75
- Asian Dumplings Cooking Class in San Antonio: $75
- Downtown San Antonio Riverwalk Tamale Cooking Class: $80
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $80
- The Haunted Dinner Tour: $80
- Austin Food Tour with Authentic Flavors, Tacos & 5 Food Tastings: $86
- Houston Downtown Food Tour with 5 Tastings of Tradition & Fusion: $90
- Epic Comedy Food Tour Austin Stand Up Comedy and Food Stops: $95
- Austin Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $96
- Austin Street Art and Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hawaii
For Hawaii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour of Kaua'i: $125
- Explore Waimea Town on a Walking Food Tour: $129
- Walking Food Tour of Hanalei, Kauaʻi: $129
- Honolulu: Pacific Star Sunset Dinner Cruise and Show: $139
- Friday Fireworks Dinner Sail from the Hilton Hawaiian Village: $144
- Maui Farm to Taco: A Farm to Table Cooking Class: $149
- Maui Ma'alaea Sunset Prime Rib or Fresh Island Fish Dinner Cruise: $150
- Honolulu: Off The Beaten Path Food Tour: $150
- Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise from Ka’anapali Beach: $166
- Maui: Coast of Ka'anapali Beach Sunset Dinner Sail: $167
- Big Island: Farm to Table Cooking Class at Kulaniapia Falls: $169
- Corner Store Kauai Cooking Class: $174
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Texas $23Hawaii $38
Tours and Activities in Texas
Here are a few actual costs in Texas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
- 1 hr Lake Austin Boat Cruise. BYOB (Shared - Single Tickets): $39
- 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
- 1.5-Hour Historical SEA-DOO Experience in South Padre Island: $199
- 1:00 PM Eco Tour and Dolphin Watch: $19
- 1hr Per Person Scenic Cruise on Lake Austin: $35
- 2 HR | Slingshot Gruene and River Road Self-guided Tour: $139
- 2 Hours Downtown Austin Segway Tour: $90
- 3 Hours Private Historic Sightseeing Tour in San Antonio: $99
- 3-Hour Ropes Course and Zip Line Adventure: $50
- 300 Years of San Antonio Cultural and Heritage Tour: $28
- 3:00 PM Eco Tour and Dolphin Watch: $19
Tours and Activities in Hawaii
For Hawaii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Honolulu Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.71
- Honolulu Downtown Walking Tour: $5.00
- Legends of Waikiki Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Honolulu: $6.99
- Walk The Deck of The USS Arizona Virtual Reality Experience: $6.99
- Explore the USS Arizona Today Virtual Reality Experience: $6.99
- Official Diamond Head Self-Guided Narrated Hiking Tour: $8.99
- Downtown Honolulu Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Official Pearl Harbor Commander's Self-Guided Multimedia Tour: $12
- Historic Walking Tour in Kihei Maui with Local Guide: $12
- Maui Beach Parks Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour in Honolulu: $15
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Waikiki: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTexas $19Hawaii $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Texas
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Texas:
- Galveston Island Brewing Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $10
- Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Astonishing Bar Crawl in Houston Hustle: $15
- Awesome Bar Crawl in Plano: $15
- River City: Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour: $30
- Sip & Savor: Wine Tasting at Flat Creek Estate: $32
- Galveston's Best Pub Crawl Tour and Guided History Walk: $33
- Haunted History Pub Crawl & Walking Tour: $33
- Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Houston Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
Sample the Local Flavors in Hawaii
Also in Hawaii, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Royal Hawaiian Spirits Distillery: Liquor Tasting: $19
- Kō Hana Hawaiian Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting for One: $25
- Koʻolau Distillery Whiskey Tour in Kailua, Hawai'i: $25
- Oahu: Kō Hana Agricole Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $35
- Winery Oeno Island Style Wine Tasting: $39
- Oahu: Dole Plantation and Ko Hana Distillery with Rum Tasting: $104
- Twilight Wine Tasting by Sea and Sunset Cruise in Honolulu: $119
- Oahu: Kō Hana Rum Deep Dive Distillery Tour with Tasting: $150
- V.I.P Dole, Rum Distillery, N.Shore, Haleiwa Circle island tour: $241
- North Shore, Kailua Distillery Brewery V.I.P circle island tour: $241
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Texas and Hawaii, we can see that Hawaii is more expensive. And not only is Texas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Texas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Texas 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 Hawaii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hawaii than you might in Texas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Texas Expensive? and Is Hawaii Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Texas or Hawaii?
Texas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hawaii. When comparing the sizes of Texas and Hawaii, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.