A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Austin vs. Niagara Falls for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Austin or Niagara Falls?

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

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

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.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Ontario sits on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Together these cities have claimed themselves to be the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" a status that is probably little more than a marketing ploy. That said, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is perhaps a quainter and more natural version of its American counterpart. The town has existed as a tourist destination for hundreds of years, with its main attraction, obviously, being Niagara Falls. Today, millions of visitors come to see the falls every year. It's truly an impressive sight, and there is no shortage of entertainment options while you're in the area.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls is $122. 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 Niagara Falls in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Niagara Falls $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Niagara Falls $148
Compare Hotels in Austin and Niagara Falls

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Niagara Falls? 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 Niagara Falls


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 Niagara Falls Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Niagara Falls $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $134
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport to Holiday Valley - Round-Trip Transfer: $263
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport(BUF) to Holiday Valley - Arrival Transfer: $131
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $195
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $80
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $79
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Buffalo Airport (BUF): $96
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Buffalo Niagara Airport to Niagara Falls, Ontario: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Niagara Falls?

Prices for flights to both Niagara Falls 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
    Niagara Falls $28

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

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

  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $108
  • Niagara Falls Sightseeing Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $130
  • Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner Niagara On The Lake: $146
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $149
  • Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $155
  • Evening Lights Tour with Skylon Tower Dinner: $177
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $178
  • Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $192
  • Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $192
  • Night on Niagara Walking Tour with Fireworks Cruise + Dinner: $200
  • Small Group Night Tour w/ Dinner & Light Show: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Niagara Falls $20
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:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Round Rock by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
  • The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
  • Private 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience in Texas: $27
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
  • City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
  • Forest Mindfulness and Embodiment Experience: $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $37

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:

  • Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.65
  • Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.21
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Niagara's Fury 4D Experience Entry Ticket: $14
  • Niagara Falls USA Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: White Water Walk Entry Ticket: $16
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $16
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Bird Kingdom Entry Ticket: $16
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Buffalo by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Niagara Falls $11

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

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

  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $56
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $96
  • Sip, Swirl and Savour Chocolate & Wine Tour : $103
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $110
  • 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $111
  • Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $114
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $119
  • Full-Day Group Wine Tour (with cheese and charcuterie) in Niagara-on-the-Lake: $141
  • myWineCountry Experience Premium Wine Tours and Tastings: $148
  • Relaxing three courses Lunch & Wine Tour through Niagara's Wine Country: $148
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch: $149
  • Luxury Buffalo Brewery Tour: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Niagara Falls, we can see that Austin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Austin or Niagara Falls?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Austin or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Niagara Falls. Many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Niagara Falls this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls during summer. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Niagara Falls 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Austin or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Niagara Falls. 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.

In October, Austin is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the autumn, Austin often gets more sunshine than Niagara Falls. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 148 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Niagara Falls. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Niagara Falls 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Austin or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Niagara Falls in the winter. Austin is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

Austin usually receives more sunshine than Niagara Falls during winter. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Niagara Falls receives 89 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Niagara Falls. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Niagara Falls -4°C (26°F)

Should I visit Austin or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

Both Niagara Falls and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

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

In Niagara Falls, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the spring, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Niagara Falls. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Niagara Falls receives 203 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Niagara Falls. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Austin

Austin Niagara Falls
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) -4°C (26°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) -3°C (28°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 10°C (49°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 20°C (68°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 23°C (74°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 22°C (72°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 6°C (43°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) -0°C (31°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)