A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. Minneapolis for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Austin or Minneapolis?

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

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

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.

Minneapolis

Known as one of the Twin Cities with its neighbor, Saint Paul, the Minneapolis area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest, behind Chicago. Originally a city of lumber and flour milling, the city has grown to prosper in commerce, rail and trucking, health care, industry, education, publishing, milling, and food processing amongst others. In addition to housing the headquarters for five Fortune 500 Companies, Minneapolis is a city of thriving culture. From visual arts, music, and theater to sporting events and award-winning restaurants, the entertainment is never lacking.

Which place is cheaper, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Austin and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Minneapolis $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $55
  • Private Austin Bergstrom Airport Transfer Charter Bus to Austin: $540
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • East Austin Food Tour: $44
  • Secret Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Downtown Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $88
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Taste of Austin Food Tour by Pedicab: $165
  • Austin Downtown Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $189

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Minneapolis $27
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:

  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $71
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $75
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $70
  • Austin Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $74

Tours and Activities in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minneapolis River Walk: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $12
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20
  • Ghost Walking Tour in Minneapolis: $29
  • Twin City Ghosts Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket: $31
  • Twin Cities Highlights Tour: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Austin pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $39
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $60
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $60
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • 4-Hour Sip of Austin Brewery Tour: $99
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
  • Brewery Tour: Experience Austin in a Half Day: $125

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • Brews Cruise Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Loop Full-Day Tour: $25
  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Minneapolis?

Austin is bigger, and its population is about 84% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the population of Austin vs. Minneapolis, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Austin or Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Minneapolis. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minneapolis. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the summer, Austin often gets less sunshine than Minneapolis. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 357 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Austin or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

Both Minneapolis and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In October, Austin is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Minneapolis during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Austin or Minneapolis in the Winter?

Both Minneapolis and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Minneapolis can get quite cold in the winter. Austin is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

In the winter, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Minneapolis. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minneapolis receives 157 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Austin or Minneapolis in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Austin is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minneapolis this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Minneapolis during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Minneapolis receives 244 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Austin

Austin Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)


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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Austin vs. Minneapolis Travel Comparison

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