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

Should you visit Houston or Moncton?

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 Moncton. 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. 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 live music, food, and shopping. See Houston travel costs.

Moncton

Moncton is a compact, cultural, and quaint city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Moncton travel costs.

Houston and Moncton: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Houston or Moncton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston than Moncton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. 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. Moncton is popular for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities.

How is Houston different from Moncton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Moncton 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 Moncton?

Houston
Moncton

Houston is great for its historical sights. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Houston. 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.

Moncton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.


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

Houston
Moncton

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

Moncton offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.

Is Houston or Moncton Better for Nightlife?

Houston
Moncton

Houston is great for its evening party scene. However, Moncton is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. 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 Moncton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Is Houston or Moncton Better for Music?

Houston
Moncton

Houston is a good destination for its music scene. However, Moncton is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Moncton is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Moncton?

Houston
Moncton

Shopping is a popular activity in both Moncton and Houston.

Houston offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Moncton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.

Is Houston or Moncton Better for Families?

Houston
Moncton

Houston is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Moncton is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Moncton is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a family-friendly town with indoor play spaces and outdoor parks. Highlights for families include a visit to Magnetic Hill Zoo and a stop at Butterfly World and the Boardwalk.

Is Houston or Moncton Better for Couples?

Houston
Moncton

Houston and Moncton both good destinations for a couple.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Moncton is a good city for couples to visit. There are some great date night ideas like wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery or seeing a show at the theater.


Is Houston or Moncton Better for Students?

Houston
Moncton

Houston is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Moncton 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.

Moncton is not popular with students.

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

Houston
Moncton

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Houston and Moncton.

Public transit is generally 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 mostly limited in Moncton. There is a bus system but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Houston or Moncton a more walkable city?

Houston
Moncton

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

Moncton is a somewhat walkable place. It's relatively compact and dense enough to get around on foot in many parts.

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 Houston Worth Visiting? and Is Moncton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Moncton or Houston?

How long in Houston or Moncton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Houston or Moncton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Houston than Moncton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 1-2 days is enough time in Moncton.

Families should spend more time in Houston than Moncton. 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 Moncton. 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 Moncton 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 Moncton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Houston 2-3 
    Moncton 1-2

One day in Houston or Moncton?

Because Houston 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.

In Moncton, you'll find museums and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Houston or Moncton?

Because Houston 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Houston has to offer.

In Moncton, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Moncton has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Moncton?

Houston 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.

Moncton 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.


A week in Houston or Moncton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Houston. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Moncton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Moncton. 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 Camping Tours in Canada, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Moncton or Houston?

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

  • Houston Prices
    USA Prices
    Moncton Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Houston $287
    Moncton $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Houston is $287, while the average daily cost in Moncton is $148. 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 Moncton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Houston $142
    Moncton $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Houston $284
    Moncton $58
Compare Hotels in Houston and Moncton

Looking for a hotel in Houston or Moncton? 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 Moncton


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 Moncton Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $246
  • Private Transfer from George Bush Airport(IAH) to Galveston Port : $222
  • SUV Airport Transfer in Houston: $200
  • Sedan Airport Transfer in Houston: $165
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $156
  • Private Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Port : $156
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH by Sedan: $119
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Houston or Moncton?

Prices for flights to both Moncton 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
    Moncton $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston: $75
  • Fun Pasta Making Cooking Class With Local Chef: $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
  • French Cooking Class in Houston (Includes 3-Course Meal): $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Houston $14
    Moncton $79

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
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 7-Hour Best Of Houston and Galveston Tour: $120
  • 75 Min Best of Houston tour Small-Group : $36
  • All day Galveston Tour From Houston with Tall Ship Elissa & Dolphin Watch: $235
  • All-Inclusive Hip-Hop Brunch Party Bike Tour: $65
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $35
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation: $75

Tours and Activities in Moncton

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

  • Unexpected Downtown Food and Drink Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Houston $13
    Moncton $4.54

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Houston or Moncton?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Moncton. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Moncton, 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 Moncton?

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 Moncton in the Summer?

Both Moncton and Houston during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Houston because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Moncton this time of year.

In the summer, Houston is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Houston in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Moncton averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Moncton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Moncton. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Houston 84°F (29°C) 
    Moncton 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Houston or Moncton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Moncton. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Moncton for the shopping scene.

In October, Houston is generally much warmer than Moncton. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 71°F (22°C), and Moncton fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Moncton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Houston usually receives around the same amount of rain as Moncton. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Houston 71°F (22°C) 
    Moncton 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Houston or Moncton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Houston as well as Moncton. Many travelers come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Moncton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Moncton can get quite cold in the winter. Houston is much warmer than Moncton in the winter. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 52°F (11°C) in January, and Moncton fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).

It's quite rainy in Moncton. Houston usually gets less rain in January than Moncton. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Houston 52°F (11°C) 
    Moncton -8°C (17°F)

Should I visit Houston or Moncton in the Spring?

Both Moncton and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Houston in the spring for the activities around the city.

Moncton can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Houston is much warmer than Moncton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Houston in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Moncton averages at about 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Moncton. In April, Houston usually receives less rain than Moncton. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Moncton receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Houston 70°F (21°C) 
    Moncton 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Moncton and Houston

Houston Moncton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) -8°C (17°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) -8°C (18°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) -3°C (27°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 3°C (38°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm) 10°C (50°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 16°C (60°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Aug 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 8°C (46°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Nov 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm) 2°C (36°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) -5°C (23°F) 126 mm (5 in)