A Travel Price Comparison for Texas Austin vs. Dallas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Austin or Dallas?

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

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

Where Should I go: Austin or Dallas?

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

Dallas

Located in the north central part of the state, Dallas is a prominent city in Texas and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States of America. The business reputation of Dallas rose from its historical status as the center for cotton and oil industries. It was also positioned among numerous railroads.

Which place is cheaper, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Austin and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Dallas $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $55
  • Private Austin Bergstrom Airport Transfer Charter Bus to Austin: $540

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Dallas Airport DAL to Dowtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $80
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to Dallas - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW): Transfer to Dallas: $207
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) to Dallas - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $84
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Dallas Fort Worth Airport DFW: $40
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Dallas by Luxury Vehicle: $80
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Las Colinas, Irving by Luxury Vehicle: $80
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $142
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • Transfer private car from Dallas Airport (DAL) - City Center: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • East Austin Food Tour: $44
  • Secret Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Downtown Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $88
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Taste of Austin Food Tour by Pedicab: $165
  • Austin Downtown Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $189

Typical Food prices in Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • Happy Hour West Village Food Tour: $39
  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • Discover Downtown Dallas Food Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Uptown Eats! Trolley Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $93
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Dallas $13
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:

  • Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $13
  • Austin Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $15
  • Skip the Line: Austin Zoo General Admission Ticket: $19
  • Hauntings in the Heart of Downtown Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • Texas Hill Country Olive Mill Tour & Extra Virgin 101: $20
  • Downtown Austin Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only: $24
  • Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
  • Austin Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour: $25
  • KuneKune Pig Farm Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Dallas

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

  • Historic Downtown Audio Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.50
  • Historic Dallas Downtown Solo Self Guided Walking Tour : $6.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
  • Dallas in Wonderland: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Must-See Landmarks & Attractions Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • Dallas Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour: $14
  • JFK Assassination Walking Tour (Self-Guided): $16
  • The Assassination of John F. Kennedy Experience: $19
  • John F. Kennedy Trolley Tour in Dallas: $22
  • Dallas' Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket: $25
  • Texas Rangers Baseball Game Ticket at Globe Life Field: $25
  • Historic West End Ghost Walking Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Dallas $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Austin pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $39
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $60
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $60
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Sip of Austin Brewery Tour: $99
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Brewery Tour: Experience Austin in a Half Day: $125

Sample the Local Flavors in Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 1-Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Dallas: $35
  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Dallas Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $37
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Dallas, 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Which is Bigger, Austin or Dallas?

Dallas is bigger, and its population is about 79% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the population of Austin vs. Dallas, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Austin or Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Dallas. Most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Austin is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas during summer. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Dallas. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Austin or Dallas in the Autumn?

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

In October, Austin is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the autumn, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dallas. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in October than Dallas. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Austin or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Austin is a little warmer than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Austin usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during winter. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Austin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dallas. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Austin or Dallas in the Spring?

Both Dallas and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Austin is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Dallas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the spring, Austin often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Austin

Austin Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Austin vs. Dallas Travel Comparison

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