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

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Should you visit Austin or Galveston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Galveston, 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 Galveston?

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.

Galveston

Located on Galveston Island off the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans and a departure point for cruise ships. It also makes a great beach destination for anyone looking to enjoy a week or weekend.

Galveston is a popular destination during the summer months, but the warm climate makes it comfortable year round. Even during the winter months you can enjoy mild temperatures, although on occasion it can have a cold spell.

Which city is cheaper, Galveston 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 Galveston is $147. 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 Galveston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $45
    Galveston $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $90
    Galveston $128
Compare Hotels in Austin and Galveston

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Galveston? 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 Galveston


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 Galveston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $38
    Galveston $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
  • Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109
  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galveston

Also for Galveston, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Galveston Port to Houston Airport Transfer: $432

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Galveston?

Prices for flights to both Galveston 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
    Galveston $42

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $22
    Galveston $12
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:

  • 48-Hour Austin Hop-On Hop-Off Blue Line City Tour: $45
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure: $62
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Austin City Landmarks and Taco Tour by Bike: $97
  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $69
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $71
  • Austin Electric Minibike Adventure Tour: $77
  • Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $59
  • Austin Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $81
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $33
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Galveston

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

  • Galveston Ghosts Walking Tour: $8.00
  • Spooky Strand Ghost Tour: $8.00
  • Al's Galveston Ghost Tour: $9.99
  • Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour: $10
  • Historic Galveston Ghost Tour: $10
  • Storm on the Strand Ghost Tour: $13
  • Galveston Island Ghost Tour: $13
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Galveston with a Guide: $15
  • Great! Galveston Ghost Tour: $16
  • Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour: $19
  • Galveston's Haunted Cemetery Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $23
    Galveston $30

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 Galveston

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

  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Austin or Galveston?

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 Galveston in the Summer?

Both Galveston 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.

In the summer, Austin is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July are around 87°F (30°C), and Galveston is about 84°F (29°C).

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Galveston. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Galveston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Austin or Galveston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Galveston. 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 Galveston. Temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Galveston stays around 71°F (22°C).

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Galveston. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Galveston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Austin or Galveston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Galveston. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Austin is around the same temperature as Galveston in the winter. The temperature in Austin is usually 51°F (11°C) in January, and Galveston stays around 52°F (11°C).

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Galveston. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Galveston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Austin or Galveston in the Spring?

Both Galveston 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.

In the spring, Austin is around the same temperature as Galveston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April are around 71°F (22°C), and Galveston is about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Galveston. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Galveston receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Galveston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Galveston and Austin

Austin Galveston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 52°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (141 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)


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Austin vs. Galveston Travel Comparison

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