A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. Houston for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Houston?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a diverse, vibrant, and fun-filled beach area. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, 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 food, shopping, and museums.

West Palm Beach and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than West Palm Beach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while West Palm Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is West Palm Beach different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Houston?

Houston is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach does not have 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Houston is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Houston. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both West Palm Beach and Houston.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a popular place for live music. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to West Palm Beach for its luxury resorts. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

West Palm Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Houston?

Houston is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Houston. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either West Palm Beach or Houston.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Houston is a very kid-friendly beach area. 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 West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit West Palm Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

Houston is a good beach area 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 West Palm Beach or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Houston a more walkable city?

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable place. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Houston is generally not a very walkable beach area. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Houston?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston than West Palm Beach 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 Houston.

One day in West Palm Beach or Houston?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This beach area 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Houston?

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Houston?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that West Palm Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Houston. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 West Palm Beach and Houston, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is Houston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Houston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Houston 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in Houston.

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Houston. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, 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 the summer, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in West Palm Beach in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Houston. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In October, West Palm Beach is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 78°F (25°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Houston. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in West Palm Beach.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 65°F (19°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than Houston. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Houston. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in West Palm Beach in April average around 74°F (23°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Houston. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Houston and West Palm Beach