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

Should you visit La Paz or Houston?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Houston can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See La Paz travel costs.

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Houston travel costs.

La Paz and Houston: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
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
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in La Paz or Houston?

You'll generally find more things to do in Houston than La Paz. Houston is bigger than La Paz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Houston is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while La Paz is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. La Paz is more touristy than Houston and is known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Houston is well known for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. Also, Houston is famous for The Space Center Houston.

How is La Paz different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Houston?

La Paz
Houston

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both La Paz and Houston.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Paz. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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.


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

La Paz
Houston

Foodies will find both La Paz and Houston both to be very good destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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.

Is La Paz or Houston Better for Nightlife?

La Paz
Houston

Houston is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Houston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Houston Better for Music?

La Paz
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not a live music destination.


Is La Paz or Houston Better for Resorts?

La Paz
Houston

La Paz is a good destination for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, La Paz makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Houston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz
Houston

La Paz is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Paz or Houston Better for Beaches?

La Paz
Houston

La Paz is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

La Paz offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Houston is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Houston?

La Paz
Houston

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

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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 La Paz or Houston Better for Families?

La Paz
Houston

Both La Paz and Houston are very good to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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.

Is La Paz or Houston Better for Couples?

La Paz
Houston

Both La Paz and Houston are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

La Paz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

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 La Paz or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz
Houston

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

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for 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 La Paz or Houston Better for Students?

La Paz
Houston

Houston is a city with good options for students. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

La Paz
Houston

La Paz is a good destination for its public transit. However, Houston is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in La Paz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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 La Paz or Houston a more walkable city?

La Paz
Houston

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

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Houston or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Paz and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Paz than in Houston. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.


  • How many days in La Paz or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Paz 2-4 
    Houston 2-3

One day in La Paz or Houston?

In La Paz, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Houston?

In La Paz, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Paz has to offer.

Houston is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in La Paz or Houston?

La Paz is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Houston. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Paz. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting La Paz. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the sprawling big city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, 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 La Paz?

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

  • La Paz Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Houston Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    La Paz $132
    Houston $287

The average daily cost (per person) in La Paz is $132, 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 La Paz and Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Paz $47
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Paz $94
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in La Paz and Houston

Looking for a hotel in La Paz 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 La Paz


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: La Paz Hotel Prices and Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Paz $20
    Houston $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:

  • La Paz International Airport (LAP) to La Paz hotels -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • La Paz hotels to La Paz International Airport (LAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • Private Transfer IAH Airport to Houston Space Center Galveston: $42
  • Private Departure Transfer to Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
  • Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Private Departure Transfer from Galveston to HOU Airport: $54
  • Private One-way Transfer from Houston to George Bush Airport : $77
  • Private One-way Transfer from George Bush Airport to Houston: $77
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $119
  • Departure Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH by Sedan: $119
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Luxury SUV: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into La Paz or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and La Paz 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
    La Paz $60
    Houston $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz

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

  • 3 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $77
  • 3 hrs SEAFOOD Tour in La Paz: $103

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.
    La Paz $11
    Houston $14

Tours and Activities in La Paz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:

  • Mural and Sculpture Art Tour at the Peace Center: $40
  • Coral Farm Snorkel Tour: $55
  • Pearl Farm Experience and shop: $65
  • Half Day Sandboarding and Paddleboarding Experience in La Paz: $83
  • City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $95
  • RZR Tour of Mogote Dunes and Sandboarding: $103
  • Unique Mexican Spirits Tasting & Pairing Experience: $105
  • holy spirit island tour: $108
  • La Paz Beaches Half Day Tour: $111
  • Holy Spirit Island Tour Sea Lions Snorkeling and Beach: $111
  • Most Popular Tour in La Paz Isla Espíritu Santo and Sea Lions: $122
  • Espiritu Santo Island Tour: $122

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Entry Ticket: $10
  • Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $12
  • Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $12
  • Burke Baker Planetarium Admission Ticket: $12
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $15
  • Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Experiential Tour: $15
  • The Cistern Experience in Spanish and English Bilingual: $15
  • Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $20
  • HTX Adventure Park Admission – ATV Rental Fee Not Included : $20
  • Holocaust Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $22
  • Houston Hollow Heart Hauntings Ghost Tour: $24
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Paz $11
    Houston $13

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

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


Which is Bigger, La Paz or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of La Paz 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 La Paz or Houston?

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 La Paz or Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Houston. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Paz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

La Paz is around the same temperature as Houston in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Houston. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    La Paz 30°C (86°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Houston. Many travelers come to La Paz for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, La Paz is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Houston averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Houston. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    La Paz 27°C (80°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to La Paz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, La Paz is generally much warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Houston. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    La Paz 18°C (65°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit La Paz or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and La Paz during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to La Paz for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

La Paz is around the same temperature as Houston in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Houston. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    La Paz 23°C (73°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and La Paz

La Paz Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (65°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 19°C (66°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 20°C (69°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 30°C (87°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 30°C (85°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 20°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)