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

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Should you visit Austin or Anchorage?

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

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

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a cultural, artsy, and nature-oriented city.

Austin and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Austin
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less walkable
Anchorage
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


How is Austin different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Austin or Anchorage Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Austin
Anchorage

Both Austin and Anchorage have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.

Austin is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Anchorage specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town has a couple of museums including the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature and the Alaska Aviation Museum.


Is Austin or Anchorage Better for Food?

Austin
Anchorage

Austin has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Anchorage.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There is amazing Texas barbecue, excellent Mexican food, and diverse food trucks.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Anchorage. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Austin or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Anchorage

Party-goers will usually choose Austin over Anchorage.

People head to Austin just to party. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. Popular bars and clubs include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Anchorage doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Austin or Anchorage Better for Families?

Austin
Anchorage

Austin and Anchorage are both fun destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. 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.

Anchorage offers lots of family activities. Nature lovers will appreciate this unique setting. You can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Austin or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Austin
Anchorage

Austin and Anchorage are both fun to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe.

Anchorage is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Anchorage makes a good base for couples who want to explore the unique area. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together.


Is Austin or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin
Anchorage

Austin and Anchorage are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is popular with 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Austin or Anchorage Better for Public Transit?

Austin
Anchorage

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Austin.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town.

Is Austin or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Austin
Anchorage

Anchorage is generally more walkable than Austin.

Anchorage is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot.

Austin is 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.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Austin?

How long in Austin or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Anchorage. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Austin is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Anchorage is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Austin or Anchorage? Ideal Length of Stay
    Austin 2-3 
    Anchorage 1-3

One day in Austin or Anchorage?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Anchorage. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Austin or Anchorage?

You'll find live music and food around the lively 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.

Anchorage 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.

Five days in Austin or Anchorage?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively 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.

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

A week in Austin or Anchorage?

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.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the artsy destination of Anchorage. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Anchorage or Austin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $114, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $153. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Austin and Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $45
    Anchorage $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $90
    Anchorage $186
Compare Hotels in Austin and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Anchorage? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Austin


Hotels in Anchorage


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Austin Hotel Prices and Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $38
    Anchorage $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109
  • Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Anchorage accommodation - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $67
  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $386
  • Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Seward Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $771
  • Anchorage accommodation to Anchorage Airport (ANC) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $54
  • Private Departure Transfer - to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $54
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport (ANC) to Whittier Cruise Port: $209
  • Private Transfer Anchorage Airport ANC to Seward Cruise Port: $292
  • Private Transfer: Anchorage to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC): $622
  • Private Transfer: Seward Cruise Port to Anchorage Airport (ANC): $292
  • Private Transfer: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to Anchorage: $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Austin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Austin $28
    Anchorage $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Secret Food Tour: $90
  • Austin Food Tour by Bus with Live Band On Board: $93
  • Austin Beer and Food Tour by Bike: $97
  • Private Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin: $103
  • East Austin Urban Farms & Brewery Food Tour by Bike: $106
  • Wood Fired Dinner Series at the Austin Winery: $159
  • Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Typical Food prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $22
    Anchorage $24
Typical Entertainment prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $20
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Spy Adventure: Operation Mindfall: $25
  • Spy Adventure at the Domain in Austin: $25
  • Operation Mindfall, A Spy Adventure in Austin: $25
  • Austin Street Art Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $26
  • Downtown Austin Photo Tour: $26
  • Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour: $26

Typical Entertainment prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:

  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Anchorage Trolley Tour: $21
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $39
  • Winter - Anchorage All Around City Tour: $49
  • Alaska Native Historic Cultural City Tour of Anchorage: $59
  • Gold Panning Self-Guided Tour: $69
  • Turnagain Arm Tour: "A Must See Destination": $69
  • Beginner’s Snowshoeing Adventure: $81
  • Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour: $95
  • Explore Portage Valley a Self-Guided Tour: $99
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $99
  • Alyeska Tram - A Self-Guided Tour: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $23
    Anchorage $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • More than a Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tours through East Austin via Motorized Pedicab: $40
  • Austin Pedicab Brewery Tour with Beer Flights Included Option: $46
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $81
  • Private Texas Hill Country Half-Day Wine Tour from Austin: $140
  • Texas Hill Country Wine Tour by Limousine: $175
  • Customizable Austin Distillery and Brewery Tour: $206
  • Half-Day Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Austin with Tastings: $240

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $115
  • Anchorage Bike and Brewery Tour: $219
  • Alaska Brewery and Railroad Experience from Anchorage: $349

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Austin.


When is the best time to visit Austin or Anchorage?

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 Austin or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Anchorage. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the family-friendly experiences.

Austin is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The temperature in Austin is usually 87°F (30°C) in July, and Anchorage stays around 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during summer. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Austin usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Austin or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Anchorage. 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.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October are around 73°F (23°C), and Anchorage is about 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the autumn, Austin often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Austin or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during winter. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Anchorage stays around 15°F (-9°C).

Austin usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Austin usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Austin or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Austin is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The temperature in Austin is usually 71°F (22°C) in April, and Anchorage stays around 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the spring, Austin often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Austin

Austin Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)


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Austin vs. Anchorage Travel Comparison

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