City in Texas, United States
Houston
Huge, diverse Texas city with the country's best-value food scene, big museums and NASA's Space Center. Spread out, humid and car-dependent, so pick one or two neighborhoods to base in.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$3,500–4,800Comfortable, one person · $3,500–4,800Details
- Value for money7/100Better value than 6% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 35°CDetails
- Air quality11.1 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · ModerateDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableCity tap water is safe; chlorine taste is noticeable in summer.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$150–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work nearly everywhere; some food trucks and market vendors prefer cash.Details
Where to stay in Houston
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Montrose | Cafés, bars, galleries and a walkable arts scene |
| Midtown | Nightlife, light rail and cheaper short stays |
| Downtown / EaDo | Stadiums, METRORail, breweries and food halls |
| The Heights | Bungalows, bike trails and restaurants; quieter |
| Museum District / Rice Village | Museums, Hermann Park and shops |
Apps that work in Houston
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Street hailing is rare. Book rideshare in advance for airports; taxis cost more.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere; some food trucks and market vendors prefer cash.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to Houston solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.