A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Cape Cod for Food, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Austin or Cape Cod?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Cape Cod, 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 live music, food, and shopping.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Austin and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Austin or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Cape Cod, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cape Cod is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Cod is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. 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 Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod?

Austin
Cape Cod

Austin is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod 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

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Austin
Cape Cod

Austin is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cape Cod makes for a great culinary experience. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Austin or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Cape Cod

Austin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Austin or Cape Cod Better for Music?

Austin
Cape Cod

Austin is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is not a live music destination.


Is Austin or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cape Cod. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail 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 Cape Cod?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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

Is Austin or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

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 Austin or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

Couples visit Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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 Cape Cod Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin
Cape Cod

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination 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.

Cape Cod is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This area is more focused on luxury and family vacationers than it is on backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Austin or Cape Cod Better for Students?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

Many students visit 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.

Cape Cod is not popular with students.

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

Austin
Cape Cod

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

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.


Is Austin or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Austin
Cape Cod

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

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Austin?

How long in Austin or Cape Cod?

Both Austin and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Austin. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Austin or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Austin 2-3 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Austin or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

A weekend in Austin or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Austin or Cape Cod?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Cape Cod?

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.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Cod or Austin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $142, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $183. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Austin and Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Austin and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Cape Cod $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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 $35
    Cape Cod $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $107
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Cape Cod $27
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 Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $452
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Yoga and National Seashore with guided Hike Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Cape Cod $19

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
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


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



When is the best time to visit Austin or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Austin is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Cape Cod, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the summer, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 304 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Cape Cod. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Austin or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Cape Cod. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Austin is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Cape Cod during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Austin usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Austin or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Cape Cod. Most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. In the winter, Austin is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cape Cod. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Cod receives 153 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Austin usually gets less rain in January than Cape Cod. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Austin or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

In April, Austin is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite sunny in Cape Cod. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Cape Cod during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Cod receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In April, Austin usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Austin

Austin Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)