A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Big Sur for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Austin or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Big Sur, 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 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Austin and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Big Sur is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Austin different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Austin or Big Sur?

Austin is great for its historical sights. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other 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. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

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

Austin is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Big Sur offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is Austin or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is Austin or Big Sur Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Big Sur 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.

Big Sur is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Big Sur. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

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 Austin or Big Sur?

Austin is very good for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for shopping.

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is Austin or Big Sur Better for Families?

Austin and Big Sur are both notable 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. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is Austin or Big Sur Better for Couples?

Big Sur is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Big Sur has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

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 Austin or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Big Sur is not as popular, but is still a nice natural area 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Big Sur. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

Is Austin or Big Sur Better for Students?

Austin is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Big Sur is not popular with students.

Austin is very popular with students. 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.

Big Sur is not popular with students.

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

Austin is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is Austin or Big Sur a more walkable city?

Austin is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Big Sur is not a walkable city. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or Austin?

How long in Austin or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Big Sur. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Big Sur. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Big Sur 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 Austin or Big Sur?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Austin or Big Sur?

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.

Big Sur 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 Big Sur?

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.

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

A week in Austin or Big Sur?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the remote destination of Big Sur. This natural area 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Austin or Big Sur?

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 Austin or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Austin is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Big Sur. 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

Austin is a little warmer than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Big Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

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

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Big Sur. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Austin is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Big Sur. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and Austin