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

Should you visit Houston or Palm Springs?

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 Palm Springs. 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 sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Houston travel costs.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a ritzy, chic, and outdoorsy city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Palm Springs travel costs.

Houston and Palm Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Palm Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Houston and Palm Springs are popular destinations, Houston has more sights and attractions for tourists. Houston is very popular for its museums and attractions, music, and big city activities, while Palm Springs attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Palm Springs is more touristy than Houston and is known for its golfing, shopping, and mid-century modern architecture. 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 Palm Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Palm Springs is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palm Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.

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

Foodies will find both Houston and Palm Springs both to be high quality destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Palm Springs has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Is Houston or Palm Springs Better for Nightlife?

Palm Springs is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Palm Springs just to party. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.

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.

Is Houston or Palm Springs Better for Music?

Houston is very good for live music. However, Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs is not a live music destination.

Is Houston or Palm Springs Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Palm Springs for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from luxurious to more laid back. Most have impressive pools and many have their own spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Houston or Palm Springs Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Palm Springs. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Palm Springs is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.

Houston has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Houston or Palm Springs Better for Families?

Both Houston and Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs. The year round sunny weather and diversity of outdoor activities make this a great family-friendly destination. There are desert hikes, zoos, and even a dinosaur museum. Kids can also pass their time playing at the pool or enjoying the waterslides.

Is Houston or Palm Springs Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Palm Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Whether you're on a honeymoon or simply looking to escape the city, there are many romantic options in the area. From cozy inns to resort spa hotels, there are a range of accommodation options. Outdoor dining, hiking, and shopping are also popular.

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 Palm Springs Better for Students?

Houston is very good for students. However, Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

Palm Springs is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Palm Springs. There are nine bus routes operated by SunLine Transit Agency, but most visitors prefer to have a car to get around.

Is Houston or Palm Springs a more walkable city?

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

Palm Springs is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are very walkable, particularly the touristy areas along Palm Canyon Drive.

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 Palm Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palm Springs or Houston?

How long in Houston or Palm Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Houston or Palm Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Palm Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 2-4 days is enough time in Palm Springs.

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

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

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

One day in Houston or Palm Springs?

Each neighborhood in Houston has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Palm Springs, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city 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 Palm Springs?

Houston is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Palm Springs, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palm Springs has to offer.

Five days in Houston or Palm Springs?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the southern big city of Houston. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Palm Springs is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Palm Springs?

Houston is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palm Springs. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Palm Springs. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 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 Houston and Palm Springs, we can see that Houston is more expensive. And not only is Palm Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palm Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs.

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

Which is Bigger, Houston or Palm Springs?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Palm Springs. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Houston or Palm Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Palm Springs. Many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Palm Springs in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Houston usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Houston or Palm Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Houston as well as Palm Springs. Many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Palm Springs for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Houston is around the same temperature as Palm Springs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Palm Springs fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Houston usually gets more rain in October than Palm Springs. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.3 inches (7 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Palm Springs in the Winter?

Both Palm Springs and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palm Springs because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Houston is cooler than Palm Springs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Palm Springs averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Houston usually receives more rain than Palm Springs. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Houston or Palm Springs in the Spring?

Both Palm Springs and Houston during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In April, Houston is generally a little warmer than Palm Springs. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Palm Springs fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Houston usually gets more rain in April than Palm Springs. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Palm Springs receives 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palm Springs and Houston