A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Houston for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Houston?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

Houston

The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.

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


Which place is cheaper, Houston or Havana?

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

  • Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
    Houston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Havana $74
    Houston $287

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $74, 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 Havana and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $42
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $84
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Havana and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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 Havana


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.
    Havana $19
    Houston $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $221
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $156
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $119
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $119
  • Departure Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH by Sedan: $118
  • Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • Houston to Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Privat Transfer from Galveston Port to Houston Airport (IAH): $286

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Havana 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
    Havana $18
    Houston $60
Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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.
    Havana $11
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in Havana

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

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Houston Rockets Basketball Game Ticket at Toyota Center: $5.38
  • The Wicked Glitch of Oz: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in Houston: $7.16
  • Houston Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Entry Ticket: $10
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston All Access Admission Ticket : $10
  • Sights of Downtown Houston Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $12
  • Burke Baker Planetarium Admission Ticket: $12
  • Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $12
  • The Cistern Experience in Spanish and English Bilingual: $15
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Experiential Tour: $15
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Houston $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

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

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Houston?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Houston?

Houston has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Havana usually receives less rain than Houston. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Havana 27°C (81°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Havana or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Havana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Havana is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Havana usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Havana or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the winter, Havana is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Havana in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Houston. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Havana or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Havana as well as Houston. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.

In April, Havana is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 24°C (75°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Havana 24°C (75°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Havana

Havana Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)