12 Cheapest Places to Fly from Houston, Texas (Underrated And Budget-Friendly Destinations)

Looking for the cheapest places to fly from Houston? I’ve got you.

Whether you are looking for warm coastlines or offbeat international culture check out these unexpected yet incredibly cheap destinations you can reach from IAH or Hobby Airport.

I’ve included both national and international destinations each with something unique and different to offer. So let’s dig in and get you travelling with some of the cheapest places to fly from Houston.

Here are some fun things to do in Houston if you have some time to spare while you are there.

Cheapest Places to Fly from Houston, Texas (Underrated And Budget-Friendly Destinations)

Jacksonville, Florida

Airports: IAH or HOU → JAX (Jacksonville International)
Cost: Roundtrip fares around $217, with one-way deals near $106 depending on the season and booking date.
Airlines: United, American, Southwest
Best for: Beach lovers, families, and solo travelers looking for a mellow, coastal U.S. escape.

Jacksonville might not be Florida’s flashiest city, but it’s one of the most affordable beach destinations to fly to from Houston.

Located in northeast Florida, it combines coastal charm with a vibrant local culture and a surprising amount of green space. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a laid-back U.S. city break with warm weather and beaches without the Miami price tag.

Jacksonville has one of the largest urban park systems in the country, along with 22 miles of beach. Spend your days at Atlantic Beach or exploring Riverside’s funky boutiques and food trucks. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and the Jacksonville Zoo are also great picks.

Try visiting in late spring or early fall for warm weather and lower hotel rates.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Airport: IAH → GUA (La Aurora International)
Cost: One-way fares start around $53, with roundtrips near $160–$247 in August or fall shoulder seasons.
Airlines: United, Spirit, Avianca
Best for: Cultural adventurers, backpackers, and digital nomads.

As the capital of Guatemala, this destination offers rich culture, colonial architecture, and easy access to natural wonders all for incredibly cheap fares out of Houston.

Flights often cost less than some U.S. domestic routes. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers looking to dive into Latin American culture, explore nearby volcanoes, or connect with more popular stops like Antigua or Lake Atitlán.

Guatemala City surprises many first-time visitors with its bustling food markets, leafy public squares, and thriving arts districts. It’s a great jumping-off point for visiting Antigua, a UNESCO-protected colonial town less than an hour away. You can also take day trips to the Pacaya Volcano or relax at Lake Atitlán.

While in the city, don’t miss Mercado Central or the National Palace.

Calgary, Canada

Airport: IAH or HOU → YYC (Calgary International)
Cost: Roundtrip fares often range from $221–$271, and one-way tickets can be as low as $91–$99 in early fall.
Airlines: United, WestJet, Air Canada
Best for: Couples, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a taste of Canada with easy access to the Rockies.

Calgary is an underrated international gateway to the Canadian Rockies, making it a smart pick for nature lovers. Located in Alberta, this clean and creative city offers direct access to Banff, Jasper, and other stunning landscapes.

Thanks to reasonable flights from Houston, especially in shoulder seasons, it’s a fantastic launchpad for exploring one of North America’s most scenic regions.

But the city itself offers cool surprises: a vibrant street art scene, the Calgary Tower, and the Glenbow Museum. In summer, the Calgary Stampede (a 10-day rodeo and festival) is a huge draw.

Go in September or May for lower airfare and mild weather.

Provo, Utah

Airport: HOU → PVU (Provo Municipal Airport)
Cost: Roundtrip fares often under $90 via Allegiant, especially during spring and fall.
Airlines: Allegiant
Best for: Outdoorsy travelers, families, and couples looking for mountain serenity on a budget.

Tucked between towering mountains and freshwater lakes, Provo is one of Utah’s most scenic small cities.

Flights from Houston to Provo are often shockingly cheap thanks to Allegiant’s direct routes. It’s a perfect base for nature escapes, and it feels much more relaxed (and less expensive) than Salt Lake City or Park City.

Provo offers direct access to hiking trails, rock climbing, and nearby state parks. Visit Bridal Veil Falls or take a drive along the Alpine Loop. In winter, skiing at Sundance Mountain Resort is a bargain compared to other U.S. ski towns.

The town is low-key and perfect for slowing down and one of the cheapest places to fly from Houston.

Cincinnati, Ohio

Airport: IAH or HOU → CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl)
Cost: Roundtrip fares typically between $60–$75
Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, American
Best for: Foodies, history buffs, and families

Don’t sleep on Cincinnati, this midwestern city offers big value and character for a low price.

With quirky museums, historic neighborhoods, and cheap food and drink, it’s a fun and easy-to-navigate city to explore. Low-cost carriers make it a breeze to get here from Houston, especially if you’re up for a spontaneous long weekend.

Cincinnati offers beautiful river views, a great beer scene, and quirky attractions like the American Sign Museum. Stroll through Over-the-Rhine, visit Findlay Market, or catch a Reds game. It’s an easy city to explore without a car and doesn’t get as crowded or expensive as other Midwest metros.

Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

Airport: IAH or HOU → RDU
Cost: One-way fares under $60 are common, particularly in spring or fall.
Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, American
Best for: Students, creatives, and laid-back explorers.

This tech-and-college hub is low-key but vibrant, combining cool coffee shops, major research centers, and Southern charm.

Flights from Houston are regularly among the cheapest to the East Coast. Whether you’re into indie bookstores or hiking trails, this North Carolina tri-city region offers a relaxed getaway with great value.

It is a great place to relax and recharge. Raleigh offers top museums (including the North Carolina Museum of Art), great food, and tons of trees. Durham adds a funkier arts vibe and strong music culture. Chapel Hill offers charm, bookstores, and a youthful feel.

You can easily split your time across all three.

Atlanta, Georgia

Airport: IAH → ATL
Cost: One-way fares as low as $39 if you book midweek in the off-season.
Airlines: Frontier, Delta, Southwest
Best for: City breaks, friend trips, solo travelers

As one of the busiest hubs in the U.S., Atlanta often has incredible flight deals and from Houston, it’s practically a steal. Beyond the airfare, Atlanta itself is packed with culture, history, and nightlife. It’s a fast-paced city where you can eat well, explore deeply, and still make it back by Monday morning.

Atlanta blends rich civil rights history with contemporary energy. Explore the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, tour the Georgia Aquarium, or eat your way through Buford Highway. It’s a quick and cheap flight from Houston and ideal for a long weekend.

Here are some of the best things to do in Atlanta.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Airport: IAH or HOU → CLT
Cost: Roundtrip fares often under $70
Airlines: American, Southwest, Delta
Best for: Couples, chill solo travelers, and food lovers

Charlotte offers a gentle city break with a lot to love, leafy neighborhoods, art districts, and the Blue Ridge Mountains not far away.

Flights from Houston frequently drop below $70 roundtrip, making it a great alternative to more crowded (and pricey) destinations on the East Coast.

Charlotte is clean, modern, and full of green spaces. Spend your time in the NoDa district exploring street art and cafes, or visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. It also makes a solid base for a Blue Ridge Mountain day trip. Best visited in spring or late September.

Here are some of the best things to do in Charlotte.

Morelia, Mexico

Airport: HOU or IAH → MLM (Morelia International)
Cost: One-way fares often around $31, with roundtrips around $65–90
Airlines: Volaris
Best for: Culture fans, language learners, and off-the-beaten-path explorers

Often overlooked in favor of Mexico City or Guadalajara, Morelia is one of Mexico’s most enchanting and affordable destinations.

Located in the state of Michoacán, it’s known for colonial beauty, artisan sweets, and UNESCO World Heritage architecture. You’ll find flights from Houston for under $100 roundtrip and almost no crowds.

Morelia is one of Mexico’s most charming and historic cities, with rose-colored stone buildings, artisan markets, and few tourists. Explore its cathedral, sip coffee in colonial plazas, and enjoy local sweets like ate and nieve.

Flights are cheapest midweek, and the city is especially atmospheric during Day of the Dead festivities.

Belize City, Belize

Airport: IAH → BZE (Philip S.W. Goldson International)
Cost: Roundtrip fares can be found around $225–$270, especially during spring and early fall.
Airlines: United, American, Southwest
Best for: Nature lovers, snorkelers, and couples seeking a quieter Caribbean escape.

Belize City is a budget-friendly launch point to the Caribbean without needing to fly into more expensive islands.

From Houston, roundtrip fares often fall below $250. It’s a great option for snorkelers, scuba divers, and anyone seeking a chilled-out, English-speaking escape with a tropical twist.

Belize City is a great jumping-off point for exploring offshore islands like Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. You can go cave tubing, tour Mayan ruins, or snorkel the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

English is widely spoken, making it an easy destination for U.S. travelers. One of the best and cheapest places to fly from Houston.

Medellín, Colombia

Airport: IAH → MDE (José María Córdova International)
Cost: Roundtrip fares often dip as low as $220–$280, especially with Spirit or Avianca.
Airlines: Spirit, Avianca, American
Best for: Digital nomads, urban explorers, and people chasing eternal spring.

Once considered off-limits, Medellín is now a thriving city known for its eternal spring climate, public art, and cable car views.

Flights from Houston are shockingly cheap, and the city’s value for money is unbeatable. Travelers who want a culturally rich, affordable Latin American getaway will love it here.

Ride the metro cable up the mountains, stroll the Botanical Gardens, explore the art of Fernando Botero, and sip local coffee in the trendy Laureles or El Poblado districts.

Visit in late spring or early fall for the best prices and weather.

Grand Junction, Colorado

Airport: IAH or HOU → GJT (Grand Junction Regional)
Cost: Roundtrip fares typically start around $130–$190, especially in spring or early fall.
Airlines: American, United
Best for: Outdoor lovers, photographers, and couples seeking scenic road trips

Tucked into western Colorado’s red rock country, Grand Junction is a surprise gem with direct flights from Houston. It’s ideal for travelers craving outdoor adventure without the crowds of Moab or the expense of Aspen. Think hiking, wine tasting, and scenic drives, with airfares that rival East Coast cities.

Drive through the Colorado National Monument, go wine tasting along the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway, or hike the Rattlesnake Arches. It’s a photographer’s dream and a quieter, more affordable alternative to Moab or Sedona.

When & How to Book for the Best Deals

Travelers fare best booking domestic routes 4–12 weeks ahead and international routes like Guatemala or Mexico 6–10 weeks in advance.

According to Expedia and Google Flights data, early September through mid-November often brings the lowest prices. Booking flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Saturdays can help you save even more. Use Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” tool or Google Flights Explore Map to discover flash sales.

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping coffee in Colombia, soaking up sun on Florida’s beaches, or finding fresh mountain air in Colorado, Houston is surprisingly well-positioned for affordable escapes.

With both major international airports, IAH and Hobby, offering a wide range of low-cost routes, your next adventure doesn’t have to break the bank.