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

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.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Austin travel costs.

Galveston

Galveston is a historic, charming, and coastal town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Galveston travel costs.

Austin and Galveston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Galveston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Galveston. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Galveston attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, and small town charm. Galveston is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its long history that is centered around the shipping industry and hurricanes. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Austin different from Galveston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Austin and Galveston 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 Galveston. With its long history and Victorian homes, there are a number of museums around town. A favorite mansion is the 1892 Bishop's Palace. There's also the Galveston Railroad Museum and the Galveston Arts Center.

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

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galveston area. There's a great mix of seafood and Texas favorites. Seafood-lovers will enjoy the oysters, crab cakes, and po boys while land-lovers will like the brisket, Tex Mex, and Texas chili.

Is Austin or Galveston Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Galveston is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Galveston has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a bit of a party town vibe in the evenings. Head to Pleasure Pier for rides and entertainment. The town also has taverns, lounges, and bars that you can check out.

Is Austin or Galveston Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Galveston is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Galveston is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Galveston Better for Beaches?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

Galveston has a beach worth visiting. There are miles of beaches that spread out from town. Some of the best include Babe's Beach, Stewart Beach, and Crystal Beach. Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, the water can be a bit murky, but the beaches are still fun.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Galveston Better for its Old Town?

Galveston is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Galveston to see the historical old town. The East End Historic District is filled with historic mansions with beautiful porches. It's possible to take a tour or you could explore independently.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Austin or Galveston Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Galveston 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.

Galveston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Galveston?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Galveston and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galveston. There are plenty of places to pick up souvenirs like shell jewelry or t-shirts. There are also more eclectic shops as well as shopping centers and malls.

Is Austin or Galveston More Beautiful?

Austin is adequate for its scenery and beauty. However, Galveston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Galveston is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Galveston Better for Families?

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

Galveston is a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Pier 21 where you'll find museums, harbor tours, and other kid-friendly activities. The city also offers a number of pirate-themed activities that kids enjoy as well as spooky ghost tours. For a bit of a thrill you can check out the rides at Galveston Pleasure Pier. And, of course, there are the beaches.

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 Galveston Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Galveston frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Historic District is the perfect place to enjoy a nice meal and soak up the charm. The area's beaches and parks also offer a bit of romance and there are plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or swimming.

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 Galveston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many 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.

Galveston is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The beaches are great, but most backpackers don't think to visit Galveston.

Is Austin or Galveston Better for Students?

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

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.

Galveston is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Galveston. While there are buses and trolley buses, a car is the best way to get around with the greatest flexibility and convenience.

Is Austin or Galveston a more walkable city?

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

Galveston is somewhat walkable. There are some walkable areas such as the Historic District.

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 Galveston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galveston or Austin?

How long in Austin or Galveston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Galveston. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Galveston. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Galveston.

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galveston. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Austin or Galveston?

You'll find live music and food around the lively destination of Austin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Galveston 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 Galveston?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Galveston. This town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Galveston?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Galveston. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Galveston, 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 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Galveston because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Galveston this time of year.

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

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. Additionally, many travelers come to Galveston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Austin is around the same temperature as Galveston in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Galveston fluctuates 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.

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. Also, many visitors come to Galveston in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

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

Typical Weather for Galveston and Austin