Which city is cheaper, New York City or Austin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Austin vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music
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Should you visit Austin or New York City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or New York City, 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 also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.
New York City
New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Austin and New York City: Pros and Cons
Austin
Pros- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
New York City
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Good music scene
- Good for shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
How is Austin different from New York City?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Austin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Museums and Historical Sights?
Austin
New York City
Head to New York City if you're looking for good museums or notable landmarks, as it has more to offer than Austin.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in New York City that are not to be missed. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.
Austin offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Food?
Austin
New York City
Foodies will find both Austin and New York City both to be unique destinations.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There is amazing Texas barbecue, excellent Mexican food, and diverse food trucks.
Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, from local dives to Michelin star options. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Nightlife?
Austin
New York City
It's hard to distinguish whether Austin or New York City has a better nightlife scene.
People head to Austin just to party. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. Popular bars and clubs include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.
The nightlife in New York City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Music?
Austin
New York City
Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Austin or New York City.
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.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New York City. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Shopping?
Austin
New York City
New York City usually beats out Austin for shopping.
New York City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items.
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 New York City Better for Families?
Austin
New York City
Austin and New York City are both fun destinations for the whole family.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. 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.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, New York City is very family-friendly. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Couples?
Austin
New York City
Austin and New York City are both fun 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.
New York City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Austin
New York City
Austin and New York City are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Austin is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 New York City. It isn't a particularly budget friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Students?
Austin
New York City
Austin and New York City are comparable 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 to experience and enjoy.
New York City is a very popular city for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.
Is Austin or New York City Better for Public Transit?
Austin
New York City
New York City provides more public transit options than Austin.
With a huge network, the transit system in New York City can get you around easily. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.
Public transit is quite limited in Austin.
Is Austin or New York City a more walkable city?
Austin
New York City
New York City is generally more walkable than Austin.
Getting around New York City on foot is easy. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.
Austin is 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.
Should I spend more time in New York City or Austin?
How long in Austin or New York City?
Both Austin and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than Austin.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Austin is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to New York City is 3-7 days.
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How many days in Austin or New York City? Ideal Length of StayAustin 2-3New York City 3-7
One day in Austin or New York City?
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.
New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Austin or New York City?
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.
New York City 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 New York City?
Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the lively 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 New York City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 New York City?
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.
New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAustin $114New York City $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $114, while the average daily cost in New York City is $238. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Austin and New York City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAustin $45New York City $137
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAustin $90New York City $274
Compare Hotels in Austin and New York City
Looking for a hotel in Austin or New York City? 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.
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 New York City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Austin $38New York City $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109
- Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
- Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
- Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
- Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
- Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
Typical Local Transportation prices in New York City
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New York City are as follows:
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Subway$4.50
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Taxi Ride$8.00
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Subway$2.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New York City
Also for New York City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Limousine Transfer one-way - John F Kennedy Airport - Lincoln MKT: $239
- Airport Limousine Transfer one-way - LaGuardia Airport - Lincoln MKT: $194
- Airport Limousine Transfer one-way - Newark Liberty International Airport - MKT: $256
- JFK - Executive Class Airport Sedan/SUV/Van Transfer: $119
- Manhattan Private Luxury Transfer to NYC Airports: $98
- New York Airport Luxury Departure Transfer via Stretch Limousine, SUV, Sedan: $100
- New York Airport Luxury Transfer : New York City to Newark Airport: $181
- New York Airport Private Luxury Departure transfer via Sedan, Limousine or SUV: $159
- New York Airport Transfers: New York to J.F. Kennedy Airport JFK in Business Car: $124
- New York City Shared Shuttle Departure Transfer: Hotel to NYC Airports: $30
- New York JFK Airport Departure Transfer (Brooklyn Hotels to JFK Airport): $216
- Private Airport Transfer in New York: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or New York City?
Prices for flights to both New York City 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
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Food Meals for one dayAustin $28New York City $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Secret Food Tour: $90
- Austin Food Tour by Bus with Live Band On Board: $93
- Austin Beer and Food Tour by Bike: $97
- Private Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin: $103
- East Austin Urban Farms & Brewery Food Tour by Bike: $106
- Wood Fired Dinner Series at the Austin Winery: $159
- Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin w/ Private Tour Option: $221
Typical Food prices in New York City
For New York City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Gelato$7.50
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Snacks for Two at Yankees Game$34
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Coffee$6.53
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Smoothie$6.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New York City
For New York City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- New York Pizza, Beer, and History Tour: $69
- Greenwich Village History, Culture, and Food Tour with Local Expert: $129
- Private New York City Food Tour of East Village and Greenwich Village: $147
- JAPANESE guided tour! Bateaux Dinner Cruise tour with hotel transportation. The best way to enjoy the Manhattan night view from the river & sea. Full course French dinner, live band music included.: $333
- Limo trip Hotel to Dinner round trip in NEW MKT Limousine: $481
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Austin $22New York City $77
Typical Entertainment prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 48-Hour Austin Hop-On Hop-Off Blue Line City Tour: $45
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure: $62
- Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
- Austin City Landmarks and Taco Tour by Bike: $97
- Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
- Austin E-Bike Tour: $69
- Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $71
- Austin Electric Minibike Adventure Tour: $77
- Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $59
- Austin Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $81
- Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $33
- Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $30
Typical Entertainment prices in New York City
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New York City's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Comedy Show Tickets$56
-
City Map$8.00
-
Broadway Musical$111
-
Broadway Show Program$10
-
Magazine$6.99
Tours and Activities in New York City
For New York City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- New York: Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.00
- 9/11 Tribute Museum Admission Ticket: $12
- Central Park Zoo General Admission Ticket: $14
- New York Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Brooklyn Museum General Admission Ticket: $14
- New York: The Rubin Museum of Art Admission Ticket: $19
- New York Aquarium Admission Tickets: $20
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ticket: $21
- American Dream: TiLT Interactive Museum Admission Ticket: $21
- American Museum of Natural History Ticket: $23
- New York Botanical Garden Admission Ticket: $23
- American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket: $23
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Things to do in New York City with Kids, Things to Do in Central Park in NYC, and The Best Museums in New York City.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAustin $23New York City $23
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
- More than a Pub Crawl: $24
- Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
- Brewery Tours through East Austin via Motorized Pedicab: $40
- Austin Pedicab Brewery Tour with Beer Flights Included Option: $46
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $81
- Private Texas Hill Country Half-Day Wine Tour from Austin: $140
- Texas Hill Country Wine Tour by Limousine: $175
- Customizable Austin Distillery and Brewery Tour: $206
- Half-Day Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Austin with Tastings: $240
Sample the Local Flavors in New York City
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New York City:
- Pub Crawl Tour of Historic Stone Street: $40
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Austin.
When is the best time to visit Austin or New York City?
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 New York City in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as New York City. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Austin is a little warmer than New York City in the summer. The temperature in Austin is usually 87°F (30°C) in July, and New York City stays around 77°F (25°C).
It's quite rainy in New York City. Austin usually gets less rain in July than New York City. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAustin 87°F (30°C)New York City 77°F (25°C)
Should I visit Austin or New York City in the Autumn?
Both New York City 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 New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October are around 73°F (23°C), and New York City is about 57°F (14°C).
In October, Austin usually receives around the same amount of rain as New York City. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAustin 73°F (23°C)New York City 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Austin or New York City in the Winter?
Both New York City 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
The weather in New York City can be very cold. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than New York City. Temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and New York City stays around 31°F (-1°C).
Austin usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAustin 51°F (11°C)New York City 31°F (-1°C)
Should I visit Austin or New York City in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and New York City. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.
Austin is much warmer than New York City in the spring. The temperature in Austin is usually 71°F (22°C) in April, and New York City stays around 52°F (11°C).
In April, Austin usually receives less rain than New York City. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAustin 71°F (22°C)New York City 52°F (11°C)
Typical Weather for New York City and Austin
| Austin | New York City | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 31°F (-1°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) |
| Feb | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) | 33°F (1°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Mar | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 42°F (6°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Apr | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.8 inches (98 mm) |
| May | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (105 mm) |
| Jun | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jul | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Aug | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Sep | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) | 57°F (14°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Nov | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
| Dec | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) | 36°F (2°C) | 3.4 inches (88 mm) |
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