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

Should you visit Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant, friendly, and relaxed city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Toulouse and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Toulouse, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Houston is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Toulouse is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. 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 Toulouse different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse or Houston Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Toulouse and Houston.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Houston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Toulouse or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Toulouse 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.

Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Is Toulouse or Houston Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is well known for its old town. However, Houston does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Houston does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Houston?

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

Toulouse is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse or Houston Better for Families?

Both Toulouse and Houston are very good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Toulouse or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Toulouse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse or Houston Better for Students?

For students, both Toulouse and Houston are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Toulouse is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Toulouse, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

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 Toulouse or Houston a more walkable city?

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

Toulouse is a very walkable city. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Houston?

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

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

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

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

One day in Toulouse or Houston?

In Toulouse, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Houston?

In Toulouse, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulouse has to offer.

Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Houston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or Houston?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Houston is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Houston in the Summer?

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

In July, Toulouse is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Toulouse usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Houston in the Autumn?

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

Toulouse is cooler than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Houston. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Toulouse during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulouse 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, Toulouse is much colder than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Houston. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Toulouse is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Houston. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Toulouse