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

Should you visit Washington or Houston?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Houston

Houston is a diverse, sprawling, and southern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Washington and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Houston?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Washington than Houston. While Houston is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Houston attracts visitors for its big city activities. Washington is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Washington different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Washington is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Washington are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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.

Is Washington or Houston Better for Theater?

Washington is well known for its theatre productions. However, Houston is not a theatre destination.

Washington offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Houston is not a theatre destination.

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

Washington 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 Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington or Houston Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Washington and Houston.

Many people head to Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

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 Washington or Houston Better for Music?

Washington and Houston are both destinations where visitors can find nice live music.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is Washington or Houston Better for Hiking?

Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Washington or Houston?

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

Washington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

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 Washington or Houston Better for Christmas?

Washington is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Washington is not to be missed. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Houston does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Washington or Houston Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Washington or Houston.

Washington is a very family-friendly destination. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

Houston is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Washington or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington or Houston Better for Students?

Washington is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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

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

Washington is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington or Houston a more walkable city?

Washington is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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 Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Washington?

How long in Washington or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Houston. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

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

One day in Washington or Houston?

Because Washington 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.

With live music and food around the sprawling city of Houston, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Houston?

Because Washington 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With food and shopping around the big city destination of Houston, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Washington or Houston?

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Washington in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Washington is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Washington in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Washington usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Washington is generally cooler than Houston. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 60°F (15°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Washington usually receives less rain than Houston. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Washington or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Washington because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

The weather in Washington can be very cold. Washington is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 35°F (1°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Washington usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Houston. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Washington is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Washington in April average around 56°F (14°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Houston. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Washington