A Travel Price Comparison for Texas Austin vs. Dallas for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

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.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Dallas?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Austin than Dallas. While Dallas is larger than Austin, Austin has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Austin is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Dallas attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Austin is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture.

How is Austin different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Austin and Dallas have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dallas. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

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

Austin is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Dallas has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Austin or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Dallas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

Is Austin or Dallas Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for its live music scene. However, Dallas is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Dallas is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Dallas Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Dallas?

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

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

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

Dallas is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

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 Dallas Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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 Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Austin or Dallas Better for Students?

Austin is a well-known place for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Austin or Dallas a more walkable city?

Austin and Dallas both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Austin?

How long in Austin or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Austin or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dallas due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Dallas 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 Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dallas. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Dallas?

Austin 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.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

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

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the entrepreneurial destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Dallas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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.

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. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

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.

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. Also, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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.

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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

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.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Austin