A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Houston for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marathon or Houston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Houston, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marathon

Marathon is a relaxing, quaint, and beautiful island. The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Marathon travel costs.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Houston travel costs.

Marathon and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Houston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Houston. Although Marathon and Houston 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 Marathon attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Houston and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. 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 Marathon different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Houston is great for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Houston can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Marathon or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston is great for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Marathon or Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Marathon is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Marathon is not a live music destination.

Is Marathon or Houston Better for Resorts?

Marathon is well known for its resorts. However, Houston is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Marathon to choose from. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Houston is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Houston Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Houston is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Houston Better for Beaches?

Marathon is well known for the beach. However, Houston is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Marathon for it's beautiful beaches. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Houston is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Houston?

Houston is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Houston More Beautiful?

Marathon is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Marathon is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Houston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Marathon or Houston Better for Families?

Marathon and Houston are both great destinations for the whole family.

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Houston is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Marathon or Houston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Marathon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

Houston is a good island 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 Marathon or Houston Better for Students?

Houston is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not popular with students.

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

Houston is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Houston a more walkable city?

Marathon and Houston are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marathon and Houston. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Houston. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Marathon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

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

One day in Marathon or Houston?

In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Houston is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Houston?

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

Houston is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Houston, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Houston?

Marathon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marathon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Houston is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marathon. In Marathon, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Houston is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon or Houston?

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 Marathon or Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Houston. Many travelers come to Marathon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marathon is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marathon in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Marathon usually gets less rain in July than Houston. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marathon in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Marathon is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 80°F (27°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Houston. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marathon for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Marathon is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the spring, Marathon is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marathon in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Houston. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Houston and Marathon