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

Should you visit Austin or Hershey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Hershey, 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 lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Austin and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Austin and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hershey is known for its resorts. Hershey is more touristy than Austin and is known for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Austin different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

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

Austin is very popular for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Austin or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Austin or Hershey Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. 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.

Hershey is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Hershey is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Hershey is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

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.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Hershey?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hershey 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 Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Austin or Hershey Better for Families?

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

Hershey is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

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 Hershey Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Hershey frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

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 Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

Is Austin or Hershey Better for Students?

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Hershey is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Hershey is not popular with students.

Is Austin or Hershey 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 Hershey.

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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Austin or Hershey a more walkable city?

Austin and Hershey both are decent 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.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable city. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Austin?

How long in Austin or Hershey?

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

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

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

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Hershey?

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.

Hershey 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 Hershey?

Austin is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the playful destination of Hershey. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Hershey?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hershey. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Hershey, 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey in the Summer?

Both Hershey and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hershey for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Austin is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Hershey. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during summer. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Hershey. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Hershey in the Autumn?

Both Hershey and Austin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hershey because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. In the autumn, Austin often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hershey. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Hershey in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Hershey. The winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hershey this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hershey in the winter. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hershey during winter. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Hershey. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Hershey in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Austin as well as Hershey. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Austin is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hershey. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the spring, Austin often gets less sunshine than Hershey. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Hershey. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Austin