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

Should you visit Houston or Toronto?

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 Toronto. 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 southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Houston travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Houston and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Houston or Toronto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toronto than Houston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toronto is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Houston attracts visitors for its music. Toronto is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also well known for the CN Tower. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA.

How is Houston different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto 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 Toronto are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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 Houston or Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Houston and Toronto both to be very good 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.

Toronto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Houston or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Toronto 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 Toronto just to party. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for Music?

Houston is a city with good options for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Houston. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Houston or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Toronto make it a world-class shopping destination. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto Better for Families?

Both Houston and Toronto are very good 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 Toronto. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Houston or Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Toronto is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

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 Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Toronto can get you around easily. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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.

Is Houston or Toronto a more walkable city?

Toronto is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Toronto is a very walkable city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Houston?

How long in Houston or Toronto?

Both Houston and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Houston. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Houston, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto 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 Toronto.

One day in Houston or Toronto?

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 Toronto, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Houston or Toronto?

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.

Toronto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toronto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Houston or Toronto?

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 Toronto. In Toronto, you'll find museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Houston and Toronto, 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 Houston Expensive? and Is Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Houston or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Houston and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Houston as well as Toronto. Most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Toronto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Houston is generally a little warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 84°F (29°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. Houston usually gets more rain in July than Toronto. Houston gets 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Houston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Houston is much warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Houston averages around 71°F (22°C) in October, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Houston. In October, Houston usually receives more rain than Toronto. Houston gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Houston or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Houston during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Toronto. In the winter, Houston is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Houston in January average around 52°F (11°C), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Houston usually gets more rain in January than Toronto. Houston gets 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Houston or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Houston and Toronto. Many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Houston is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Houston average around 70°F (21°C), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In April, Houston usually receives more rain than Toronto. Houston gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Houston