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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Houston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a unique, iconic, and fascinating town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Houston travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston. Although Cape Canaveral and Houston are both popular with visitors, Houston has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Houston is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cape Canaveral is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Houston and is popular for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. 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 Cape Canaveral different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral are among the most recognizable in the world. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

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 the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Houston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Houston is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Houston has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Houston is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Houston has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Houston Better for Music?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Houston is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not a live music destination.

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

Cape Canaveral is not a live music destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Houston Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cape Canaveral makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Houston Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral offers a nice beach destination. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

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

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

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 Cape Canaveral or Houston Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Cape Canaveral is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cape Canaveral is very family-friendly. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Houston Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

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

Couples visit Cape Canaveral frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Houston is a good town 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 Cape Canaveral or Houston Better for Students?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Houston is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral 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.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.


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

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Houston is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Cape Canaveral or Houston a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Houston

Houston is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

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.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Houston. In our opinion, Houston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Houston than Cape Canaveral. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston than Cape Canaveral 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.


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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because Houston is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

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

Houston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

Cape Canaveral 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Houston?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Houston. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Cape Canaveral?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cape Canaveral Prices
    USA Prices
    Houston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Houston $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, while the average daily cost in Houston is $287. 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 Cape Canaveral and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral


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: Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cape Canaveral Private Transfer to MCO Orlando Airport : $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando by Bus or Limo: $292
  • Cruise Ship Van Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando Int Airport: $100
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral One Way Private Transfers: $85
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Round Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Port Canaveral to MCO Orlando Airport One Way Private Transfers: $85
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO : $215
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Theme Parks: $210
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Celebration: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to International Drive: $262

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $286
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port: $286
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $246
  • Private Transfer from Port of Galveston to Houston Airport (HOU): $245
  • Private Transfer from George Bush Airport(IAH) to Galveston Port : $222
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $221
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
  • Private Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Port : $156
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $156
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Cape Canaveral 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
    Cape Canaveral $74
    Houston $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

For Cape Canaveral, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.

  • Fun Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston: $75
  • The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $80
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $80
  • Houston Downtown Food Tour with 6 Tastings of Tradition & Fusion: $85
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $93
  • Upscale Italian Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 4-Course Meal): $115
  • French Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 3-Course Meal): $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80

Tours and Activities in Houston

Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best of Houston and Galveston Tour 7 Hours Small Group: $120
  • H- Town 3rd Ward Tour with 15ft Party Truck : $46
  • Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transport: $95
  • 1 Hour Private Christmas Lights Tour in Houston : $39
  • 2 Hour December Holiday Lights Tour: $65
  • 2-Hour Houston Skyline Tour: $69
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 75 Min Best of Houston Small Group Tour : $36
  • 75 Min Best of Houston tour Small-Group : $36
  • All day Galveston Tour From Houston with Tall Ship Elissa & Dolphin Watch: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    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:

  • Houston Hustle Bar Crawl: $15
  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Private 3-in-1 Sightseeing, Brewery, and Mural Tour of Houston by Cart: $115


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Houston, we can see that Houston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 80°F (27°C), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 74°F (24°C) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Houston. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Cape Canaveral during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Canaveral in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

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

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Houston. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 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 Cape Canaveral.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)