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

Should you visit Austin or Norfolk?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Norfolk, 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 lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Norfolk

Norfolk is a blue collar, maritime, and authentic city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin and Norfolk: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Austin or Norfolk?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than Norfolk, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more touristy than Norfolk and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital. Norfolk is popular for its naval base and military presence.

How is Austin different from Norfolk?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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

Norfolk offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums in town like the Chrysler Museum, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and the Norfolk Police and Fire Museum. You should also check out the Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.


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

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Norfolk has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a decent collection of restaurants in the downtown area. Food options include local seafood, brunch, casual eateries, and fine dining.

Is Austin or Norfolk Better for Nightlife?

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Norfolk is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a world class party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Norfolk has a few options to choose from. Downtown is where you'll find the most busy nightlife venues. The city has great breweries, and the live music scene has taken off. There are also lounges, dance clubs, and wine bars to choose from.

Is Austin or Norfolk Better for Music?

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Norfolk is not a live music destination.

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.

Norfolk is not a live music destination.


Is Austin or Norfolk Better for Hiking?

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Norfolk is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Norfolk?

Austin
Norfolk

Shopping is a popular activity in both Norfolk and Austin.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Norfolk. There's a mix of shopping malls, local boutiques, farmer's markets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Austin or Norfolk Better for Families?

Austin
Norfolk

Austin and Norfolk are both good 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. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Norfolk offers lots of family activities. The Norfolk Zoo is always a hit with kids. You should also visit the USS Wisconsin which offers tours, as well as the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum.


Is Austin or Norfolk Better for Couples?

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a popular place for romance. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Norfolk as a couple's destination. There are some nice hotels and several great parks and outdoor activities.

Is Austin or Norfolk Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Norfolk is a city with minimal options 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.

Norfolk is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This is an often overlooked area for backpackers.

Is Austin or Norfolk Better for Students?

Austin
Norfolk

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Norfolk is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Norfolk is not popular with students.


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

Austin
Norfolk

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Austin and Norfolk.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Norfolk. While there are buses, ferries, and even lightrail in the area, you really want to have a car to get around.

Is Austin or Norfolk a more walkable city?

Austin
Norfolk

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

Norfolk is somewhat walkable. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Norfolk Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Norfolk or Austin?

How long in Austin or Norfolk?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Austin or Norfolk to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Austin than Norfolk because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Norfolk.

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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.


  • How many days in Austin or Norfolk? Ideal Length of Stay
    Austin 2-3 
    Norfolk 1-2

One day in Austin or Norfolk?

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Norfolk. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Austin or Norfolk?

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.

Norfolk is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Norfolk?

Austin is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the blue collar destination of Norfolk. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


Which place is cheaper, Norfolk 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 Norfolk is $166. 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 Norfolk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Norfolk $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Norfolk $168
Compare Hotels in Austin and Norfolk

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Norfolk? 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 Norfolk


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 Norfolk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Norfolk $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin International Airport (AUS) - Private Round trip transfer: $215
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Norfolk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Norfolk:

  • Bamville Transportation (Private & Airport Transfers): $275

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Norfolk?

Prices for flights to both Norfolk 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
    Norfolk $49

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
  • 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: $98
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Norfolk

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

  • Buffet Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise: $112
  • Norfolk Mother's Day Signature Dinner Cruise: $112
  • Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise : $140
  • Norfolk 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Norfolk $14
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
  • Haunted Tour with Ghost Hunting Gear: $20
  • 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
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
  • City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
  • Austin Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Downtown History Walking Tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Norfolk

Here are a few actual costs in Norfolk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Norfolk with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
  • Skip the Line: Virginia Living Museum Admission Ticket: $22
  • Neon District Contemporary Art Walking Tour: $32
  • Virginia Zoo & Battleship Wisconsin Combo Ticket: $38
  • Electric Bike Rental Downtown Norfolk (self guided tour) : $60
  • Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise: $84
  • Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise : $84
  • Mother's Day Signature Brunch Cruise Norfolk: $103
  • Norfolk Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Norfolk $10

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
  • Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $60
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $60
  • Metro Rail Brewery Tour Across Austin: $90
  • 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: $144

Sample the Local Flavors in Norfolk

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Norfolk:

  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Downtown Norfolk: $30


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


Which is Bigger, Austin or Norfolk?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Norfolk. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?

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 Norfolk in the Summer?

Both Norfolk and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Norfolk for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Austin is a little warmer than Norfolk in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Norfolk fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Norfolk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Norfolk during summer. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 5.7 inches (145 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Norfolk 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Austin or Norfolk in the Autumn?

Both Norfolk and Austin during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Norfolk because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Austin is a little warmer than Norfolk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Norfolk averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In Norfolk, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the autumn, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 211 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Norfolk. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Norfolk 62°F (16°C)

Should I visit Austin or Norfolk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Norfolk. The winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Norfolk this time of year.

It's quite cold in Norfolk in the winter. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Norfolk. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Norfolk fluctuates around 39°F (4°C).

Austin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Norfolk during winter. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Norfolk receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Norfolk. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Norfolk 39°F (4°C)

Should I visit Austin or Norfolk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Austin as well as Norfolk. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Austin is much warmer than Norfolk in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Norfolk fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Norfolk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the spring, Austin often gets less sunshine than Norfolk. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Norfolk receives 253 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Norfolk. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Norfolk receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Norfolk 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Norfolk and Austin

Austin Norfolk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 49°F (10°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 67°F (19°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 79°F (26°C) 5.7 inches (145 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 78°F (25°C) 5.9 inches (150 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 62°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 44°F (7°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)