A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Atlanta vs. Austin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Atlanta or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Atlanta or Austin, 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.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Atlanta and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atlanta or Austin?

Both Austin and Atlanta have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Atlanta is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Atlanta is well known for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Atlanta different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Atlanta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Atlanta that are not to be missed. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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

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

Austin is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Atlanta or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Austin is a must-see party destination. 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.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Atlanta or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for its music scene. However, Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Atlanta is not a live music destination.

Is Atlanta or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atlanta or Austin?

Atlanta is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Atlanta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

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

Is Atlanta or Austin Better for Families?

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

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

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 Atlanta or Austin Better for Couples?

Atlanta and Austin are both notable to visit as a couple.

Atlanta is a good city for couples to visit. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. 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 Atlanta or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Atlanta or Austin Better for Students?

For students, both Atlanta and Austin are superb places to visit.

Atlanta is a great city to visit as a student. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. 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 Atlanta or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Atlanta and Austin both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

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

Is Atlanta or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Atlanta Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Atlanta?

How long in Atlanta or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Atlanta 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 Austin.

One day in Atlanta or Austin?

Atlanta 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.

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Atlanta or Austin?

Atlanta 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.

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.

Five days in Atlanta or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. 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.

Austin is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Atlanta or Austin?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atlanta and Austin, we can see that Atlanta is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Atlanta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atlanta than you might in Austin.

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

Which is Bigger, Atlanta or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Atlanta 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 Atlanta or Austin?

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 Atlanta or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Atlanta as well as Austin. The summer months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the summer, Atlanta is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atlanta in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. In the summer, Atlanta often gets less sunshine than Austin. Atlanta gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Atlanta usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Atlanta gets 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Atlanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Atlanta is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Atlanta average around 66°F (19°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Atlanta gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Atlanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Atlanta gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Atlanta or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Atlanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Atlanta for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atlanta is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Atlanta averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Atlanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Atlanta gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. Atlanta usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Atlanta gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atlanta or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Atlanta and Austin. Many visitors come to Atlanta in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Atlanta is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atlanta in April average around 65°F (18°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Atlanta usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Atlanta gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Atlanta usually receives more rain than Austin. Atlanta gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Atlanta