A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Asheville vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Hiking

Should you visit Asheville or Austin?

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 Asheville and Austin. 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.

Asheville

Asheville is a progressive, open-minded, and eclectic mountain town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Asheville and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Asheville or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Asheville. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Asheville attracts visitors for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Asheville is famous for its fall foliage, artsy downtown, local North Carolina barbecue, and being home to the Biltmore Estate. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Asheville different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Asheville or Austin?

Austin is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Asheville does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Asheville or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Asheville is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Downtown Asheville is filled with local restaurants that serve everything from brunch to late night snacks. There are many vegan and vegetarian options as well as a number of international restaurants. Popular local dishes include North Carolina barbeque and country ham biscuits.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Many people head to Asheville for the nightlife scene. The city has a fun and eclectic nightlife scene that centers around the city's breweries and live music venues.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. Also, Asheville is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

The music scene in Asheville draws a good crowd. The city has grown into a world famous music destination that holds true to its mountain roots and independent artists.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Resorts?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Asheville has a handful of resorts to choose from. The most famous resorts in the area are the Biltmore Estate and the Grove Park Inn. Both offer luxury restaurants and beautiful grounds that are particularly nice during the holidays.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Asheville is a good place to visit the old town. Downtown Asheville maintains much of its historic vibe, but it's smaller than some of the more notable old cities around the country.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Hiking?

Asheville is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Asheville. Just outside of town are many great hikes to waterfalls or through the mountains. The hikes range in skill level and length but many pass through local forests or along the beautiful skyline.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Asheville or Austin?

Asheville is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Asheville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops that sell local crafts and independent art. The downtown area is filled with art vendors and you'll find the greatest concentration of shopping along the pedestrian-friendly Lexington Avenue.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Christmas?

Asheville is a great destination for its Christmas activities. However, Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Asheville. Head to the Biltmore Estate to see it fully decorated for the Christmas season. It's also worth going to see the winning Gingerbread Houses on display at the Grove Park Inn.

Austin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Christmas Markets?

Asheville is a mountain town with a few options for its Christmas markets. However, Austin does not offer Christmas markets.

Asheville is a good spot to see some Christmas markets. There are a handful of local Christmas shops around town where you can buy personalized gifts.

Austin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Families?

Asheville is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Asheville is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its beautiful hiking, interesting nature centers, and outdoor adventure activities, this mountain town makes a great kid-friendly destination. There are outdoor adventure parks where kids can zipline or climb. There are also hands on farms and orchards for fruit-picking.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Couples?

Asheville is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Asheville frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the beautiful Biltmore Estates or visiting the spa at the Grove Park Inn. The quaint town makes a great honeymoon destination or a nice romantic getaway. There are luxury hotels or intimate bed and breakfasts that offer different options for couples on a romantic trip.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Asheville and Austin are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Asheville is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. The town has an eclectic vibe that backpackers appreciate. There are a few good hostels around town as well as nearby campgrounds that are perfect for budget travelers or hikers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Students?

Asheville and Austin are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit Asheville. With its progressive personality and charming downtown, students enjoy spending time in this great town.

Austin is a very popular mountain town for students and younger travelers. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Is Asheville or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Asheville and Austin.

Public transit is generally limited in Asheville. There are buses around town, but almost everyone gets around town with their own vehicle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Asheville or Austin a more walkable city?

Asheville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Asheville is somewhat walkable. If you stay downtown and don't plan to explore the outlying areas, then it's possible to walk around town. Otherwise, you'll need a car.

Austin is generally not a very walkable mountain town. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Asheville Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Asheville?

How long in Asheville or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Asheville and Austin. In our opinion, Asheville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Asheville than Austin. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Asheville or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Asheville. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Asheville or Austin?

Asheville 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.

You'll find live music and food around the unconventional destination of Austin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Asheville or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Asheville. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Asheville or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the open-minded destination of Asheville. This mountain town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Asheville and Austin, we can see that Austin 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 Asheville Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Asheville or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Asheville. When comparing the sizes of Asheville and Austin, 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 Asheville or Austin?

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 Asheville or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Asheville are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Asheville in the summer for the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Asheville is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 82°F (28°C), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asheville. Asheville usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Asheville gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Asheville. In July, Asheville usually receives more rain than Austin. Asheville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Asheville or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Asheville during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Asheville for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Asheville is cooler than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asheville averages around 64°F (18°C) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Asheville. In the autumn, Asheville often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Asheville gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Asheville usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Asheville gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Asheville or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asheville and Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Asheville because of the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the winter, Asheville is much colder than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asheville in January average around 44°F (7°C), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Asheville usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Asheville gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

Asheville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Asheville usually receives more rain than Austin. Asheville gets 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Asheville or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asheville as well as Austin. The natural beauty are the main draw to Asheville this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Asheville is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Asheville average around 64°F (18°C), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asheville this time of the year. In the spring, Asheville often gets more sunshine than Austin. Asheville gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Asheville receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asheville usually gets more rain in April than Austin. Asheville gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Asheville