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

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Should you visit Austin or Denver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Denver, 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling and park-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Austin and Denver: Pros and Cons

Austin
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less hiking options
  • Public transit not as usable
Denver
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good public transit
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


How is Austin different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Austin or Denver Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Austin
Denver

Both Austin and Denver 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 Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.


Is Austin or Denver Better for Food?

Austin
Denver

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

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 Denver. While you're in town you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Austin or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Denver

Party-goers will usually choose Austin over Denver.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Denver has a few options to choose from. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Is Austin or Denver Better for Hiking?

Austin
Denver

Austin and Denver are both places where visitors can find hiking trails.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains.

Is Austin or Denver Better for Families?

Austin
Denver

Austin and Denver 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.

Denver offers lots of family activities. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy.


Is Austin or Denver Better for Public Transit?

Austin
Denver

Denver provides more public transit options than Austin.

You'll find some public transit in Denver, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offers good access to much of Denver.

Public transit is quite limited in Austin.

Is Austin or Denver a more walkable city?

Austin
Denver

Austin and Denver both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Austin is not a walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around.

Denver is not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

Should I spend more time in Denver or Austin?

How long in Austin or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Denver. 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 Denver is 2-3 days.


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

One day in Austin or Denver?

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

A weekend in Austin or Denver?

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.

Denver 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 Denver?

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 Denver. 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 Denver?

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 skiing and nightlife when visiting the sprawling destination of Denver. 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, Denver 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 Denver is $174. 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 Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $45
    Denver $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $90
    Denver $138
Compare Hotels in Austin and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Denver? 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 Denver


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 Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $38
    Denver $81

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 Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Luxury Car: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by Minibus: $217
  • Arrival Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Denver City by SUV: $142
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Luxury Van: $130
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $796
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Aspen hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $1,592
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer: $429
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $858
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Arrival Private Transfer: $404
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Breckenridge - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $809
  • Denver Airport (DEN) to Denver hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver 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
    Denver $34

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 Denver

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


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

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

  • Small-Group Food Tour in Denver: $69
  • Haunted Denver Walking Food Tour: $73
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver: $77
  • Walking Food Tour - Best of Union Station & LoDo: $79
  • Denver Cooking Classes-Local, seasonal, and hands on menus: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $22
    Denver $42
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

Tours and Activities in Denver

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

  • Spokes and Scoops: Explore Denver's top ice cream spots on an audio bicycle tour: $5.20
  • Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
  • Virtual Reality Experiences for Everyone: $21
  • Denver Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Best of Denver Tour: $22
  • Capitol Hill History & Ghost Tour: $22
  • Twilight Ghost Tour: $22
  • Denver Ghost Tour: $23
  • 1.5 Hour LoDo Walking Tour in Denver: $25
  • Moscow Mule Experience: $32
  • From Mining to Modern Walking Tour of Denver: $35
  • History and Whiskey Tour in Denver: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $23
    Denver $4.25

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 Denver

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

  • Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour in Lower Downtown: $26
  • Haunted Denver Ghost and Pub Walking Tour - South Broadway (SoBo): $27
  • 3-Hour Brewery Walking Tour: $49
  • Craft Distillery Bus Tour: $71

About these numbers

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

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Austin vs. Denver Travel Comparison

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