A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Austin or Los Angeles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Los Angeles, 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 unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a diverse, multicultural, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and theater.

Austin and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Los Angeles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Los Angeles than Austin. Los Angeles is bigger than Austin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Los Angeles is better known for its museums, theatre productions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin is more popular for its impressive beauty. Los Angeles is more touristy than Austin and is popular for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Austin different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Los Angeles that are not to be missed. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. 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

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a great destination for theatre. However, Austin is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Austin is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Austin and Los Angeles both to be world-class destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Los Angeles have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Austin or Los Angeles has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Austin just to party. 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.

The nightlife in Los Angeles is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Austin or Los Angeles.

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.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Los Angeles. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

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

Los Angeles is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Los Angeles has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Los Angeles are among the best in the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

Known for its hiking, Los Angeles draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

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 Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Los Angeles is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

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 Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

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 Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Los Angeles has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin and Los Angeles are great places to visit 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.

Many backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Is Austin or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is a great destination for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. 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.

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

Los Angeles is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Austin or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

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

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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 Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Austin?

How long in Austin or Los Angeles?

Both Austin and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Austin. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

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

One day in Austin or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Austin or Los Angeles?

The entrepreneurial city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Los Angeles is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Los Angeles. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Austin is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Austin is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Austin is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Los Angeles. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Los Angeles this time of year.

In April, Austin is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Austin