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

Should you visit Houston or Hope?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Houston and Hope. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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. See Houston travel costs.

Hope

Hope is a friendly, local, and small town. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Houston and Hope: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Houston or Hope?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Hope are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Hope attracts visitors for its hiking. Hope is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo." 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 Houston different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston
Hope

Houston is a great city for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Houston specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.


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

Houston
Hope

Houston is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Houston or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Hope

Houston is a great city for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

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 Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Houston or Hope Better for Music?

Houston
Hope

Houston is very good for live music. However, Hope is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Hope is not a live music destination.


Is Houston or Hope Better for Hiking?

Houston
Hope

Hope is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hope. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Hope?

Houston
Hope

Houston is very good for shopping. However, Hope is not known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Houston or Hope Better for Families?

Houston
Hope

Both Houston and Hope are high quality family-friendly destinations.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hope. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.


Is Houston or Hope Better for Couples?

Houston
Hope

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

Couples visit Hope frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

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 Houston or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Houston
Hope

Hope is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hope is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Houston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this sprawling city, but there are some hostels and cheap motels.

Is Houston or Hope Better for Students?

Houston
Hope

Houston is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not popular with students.


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

Houston
Hope

Houston is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Hope 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 Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Houston or Hope a more walkable city?

Houston
Hope

Houston and Hope both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Houston is generally not very walkable. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

Hope is generally not a very walkable city. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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

Should I spend more time in Hope or Houston?

How long in Houston or Hope?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Houston and Hope. In our opinion, Houston has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Houston than Hope. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Houston than Hope 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 Houston or Hope? Ideal Length of Stay
    Houston 2-3 
    Hope 2-3

One day in Houston or Hope?

Houston is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Hope, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Houston or Hope?

Houston is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Hope, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hope has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Hope?

You'll find food and shopping around the southern big city of Houston. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hope is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in Houston or Hope?

The diverse city of Houston offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hope. Many people enjoy the when visiting Hope. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Hope or Houston?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $287, while the average daily cost in Hope is $47. 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 Houston and Hope in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Hope $8.89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Hope $18
Compare Hotels in Houston and Hope

Looking for a hotel in Houston or Hope? 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 Houston


Hotels in Hope


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 and Hope Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Houston $72
    Hope -

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 Houston or Hope?

Prices for flights to both Hope and Houston 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
    Houston $60
    Hope $38

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.
    Houston $14
    Hope -

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

Tours and Activities in Hope

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

  • From Vancouver: 2-Day Kelowna Wine, Lake, and Farm Tour: $296
  • From Vancouver: 3-Day Tour to Manning Park, Nelson & Osoyoos: $379

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Houston $13
    Hope $10

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 Houston and Hope, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Hope.

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


Which is Bigger, Houston or Hope?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Hope, 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 Houston or Hope?

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 Houston or Hope in the Summer?

Both Hope and Houston during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hope in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Houston is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Hope fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Hope. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Houston 84°F (29°C) 
    Hope 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Houston or Hope in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Hope. Many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hope for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Houston is much warmer than Hope in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Hope fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Houston usually receives less rain than Hope. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Houston 71°F (22°C) 
    Hope 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Houston or Hope in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Houston as well as Hope. Most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Hope because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hope can be very cold. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Hope averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Houston usually gets less rain in January than Hope. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Houston 52°F (11°C) 
    Hope 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Houston or Hope in the Spring?

Both Hope and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Houston is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Hope fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hope. In April, Houston usually receives less rain than Hope. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Houston 70°F (21°C) 
    Hope 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Hope and Houston

Houston Hope
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 3°C (37°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 5°C (41°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 7°C (44°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 9°C (49°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 15°C (60°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 15°C (59°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 10°C (51°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 6°C (43°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 3°C (37°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)