A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Auckland or Austin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a thrill-seeking, cosmopolitan , and adventurous city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auckland and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Austin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Auckland than Austin. While Austin is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Auckland different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Austin.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Auckland or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Auckland or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Austin is a world class 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.

The people in Auckland know how to have a good time. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Is Auckland or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Auckland is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Auckland is not a live music destination.

Is Auckland or Austin Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Austin Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

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 Auckland or Austin?

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

Auckland is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

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

Is Auckland or Austin Better for Families?

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

Auckland is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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 Auckland or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and Austin are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Austin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Auckland or Austin Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Austin are excellent destinations for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Auckland or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

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 Auckland or Austin a more walkable city?

Auckland and Austin are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Auckland is generally not a very walkable city. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

Austin is generally not very walkable. 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 Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Austin?

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

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

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

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

One day in Auckland or Austin?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. 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 Auckland or Austin?

Auckland 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.

Austin 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 Austin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. 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 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 Auckland or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, 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 Auckland 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. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Austin?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Austin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Auckland during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Auckland is generally much colder than Austinin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Auckland. In the summer, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Austinin July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in January than Austinin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Austin. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Auckland is cooler than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Auckland usually receives more rain than Austinin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auckland or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Auckland is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C)in January.

In the winter, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Austinin January. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Austinin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Auckland is generally much colder than Austinin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Auckland usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austinin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Auckland