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

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.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Minneapolis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Minneapolis. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Minneapolis attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. 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. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people.

How is Austin different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Austin and Minneapolis have superb 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 Minneapolis. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

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

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Austin or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Minneapolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party 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.

Minneapolis is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

Is Austin or Minneapolis Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Minneapolis Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Minneapolis?

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

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis Better for Families?

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

Minneapolis is a very family-friendly place to visit. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.

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 Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Austin and Minneapolis are both nice to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Austin or Minneapolis Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Minneapolis is lacking in good options 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.

Minneapolis is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not a popular destination for backpackers, there is at least one hostel in town.

Is Austin or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Austin and Minneapolis are superb places to visit for students.

Austin is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Minneapolis. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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

Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers around town.

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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

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

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Austin?

How long in Austin or Minneapolis?

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

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

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

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

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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Minneapolis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unconventional 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.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Minneapolis?

The eccentric 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 Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Minneapolis?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the innovative destination of Minneapolis. This city 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 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 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Minneapolis?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Minneapolis. When comparing the sizes of Austin and 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 along with the activities and attractions 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. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Minneapolis this time of year.

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.

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. Also, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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.

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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the winter 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.

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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the activities around the city during these months.

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.

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Austin