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

Should you visit Austin or Kennebunkport?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Kennebunkport, 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 also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Austin and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Austin or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Austin and Kennebunkport are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Kennebunkport is known for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kennebunkport is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. 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 Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin
Kennebunkport

Austin is great for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.


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

Austin
Kennebunkport

Austin is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kennebunkport. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Is Austin or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Kennebunkport

Austin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Austin or Kennebunkport Better for Music?

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Kennebunkport is not a live music destination.


Is Austin or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Austin
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

Kennebunkport has hiking trails worth exploring. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Kennebunkport?

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a very family-friendly place to visit. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

Couples visit Kennebunkport frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Kennebunkport is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find cabins and motels in the area, but no real hostels.


Is Austin or Kennebunkport Better for Students?

Austin
Kennebunkport

Austin is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not popular with students.

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

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Austin or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Austin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is somewhat walkable. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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 Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Austin?

How long in Austin or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Austin or Kennebunkport. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Kennebunkport 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.


  • How many days in Austin or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Austin 2-3 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Austin or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Austin. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or Austin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $142, while the average daily cost in Kennebunkport is $220. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Austin and Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Austin and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport


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 Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Kennebunkport $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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 $35
    Kennebunkport $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $107
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Kennebunkport $21
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 Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $452
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

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

  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Kennebunkport $31

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
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


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


Which is Bigger, Austin or Kennebunkport?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

Both Kennebunkport and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Austin is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

In Kennebunkport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the summer, Austin often gets more sunshine than Kennebunkport. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 282 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Kennebunkport. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Austin or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Kennebunkport. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Kennebunkport during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Austin or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Kennebunkport. The winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kennebunkport in the winter. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kennebunkport receives 163 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Kennebunkport. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Austin or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Austin is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Kennebunkport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kennebunkport during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Kennebunkport receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Austin

Austin Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)