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

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Should you visit Austin or Phoenix?

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

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

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.

Phoenix

The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.

Which place is cheaper, Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Austin and Phoenix in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Austin $56
    Phoenix $144
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Austin $112
    Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Austin and Phoenix

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix


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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Austin $47
    Phoenix $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $105
  • Departure Private Transfer to Phoenix Airport PHX by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $109
  • Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Phoenix Airport (PHX): $48
  • Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Phoenix?

Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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
    Phoenix $52

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: $84
  • 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

Typical Food prices in Phoenix

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:


  • Nice Lunch (for 2)
    $36
  • Indian Food Dinner (for 2)
    $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix

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

  • Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
  • Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
  • Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $95
  • Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Austin $28
    Phoenix $40
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: $84
  • 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 Phoenix

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.

  • SEA LIFE Aquarium Arizona Admission Ticket: $18
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Mesa by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Phoenix Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Private Treasure Island Escape Room Experience in Avondale : $24
  • The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
  • Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
  • RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona Admission Ticket: $29
  • Phoenix Ghosts: Phantoms, Psychopaths, & Poltergeists Tour: $30
  • Phoenix ZooLights Entry Ticket: $30
  • Arizona Cardinals Football Game Ticket at State Farm Stadium: $31
  • Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game Ticket: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Austin $28
    Phoenix $17

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 Phoenix

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:

  • Party Bike Pub Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $59
  • Wine Tasting From Scottsdale! Discounted-Limited Availability: $150
  • Custom Arizona Brewery / Vineyard Tour: $245
  • Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $589

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Phoenix?

Phoenix is bigger, and its population is about 95% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the population of Austin vs. Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

Both Phoenix and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Austin is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the summer, Austin often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Austin 87°F (30°C) 
    Phoenix 98°F (36°C)

Should I visit Austin or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Phoenix. Many travelers 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.

Austin is cooler than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Austin 73°F (23°C) 
    Phoenix 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Austin or Phoenix in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Phoenix. Many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Austin is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the winter, Austin often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Austin 51°F (11°C) 
    Phoenix 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Austin or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Austin is generally around the same temperature as Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Austin 71°F (22°C) 
    Phoenix 74°F (23°C)

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Austin

Austin Phoenix
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Feb 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Mar 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Apr 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 74°F (23°C) 0.2 inches (6 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 83°F (28°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jun 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm) 92°F (34°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 98°F (36°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Aug 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 96°F (35°C) 0.9 inches (24 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 90°F (32°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Oct 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm) 79°F (26°C) 0.7 inches (17 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm) 58°F (15°C) 1 inches (25 mm)


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. Phoenix Travel Comparison

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