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

Should you visit Austin or Santa Monica?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Santa Monica, 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 eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Austin and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Santa Monica?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Monica than Austin. While Austin is larger than Santa Monica, Santa Monica has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its beaches and shopping, while Austin attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Austin and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Austin different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

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

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

Is Austin or Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Santa Monica has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

Is Austin or Santa Monica Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Santa Monica is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Santa Monica are among the best in the world. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Austin or Santa Monica Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

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 Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Santa Monica is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Santa Monica frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Austin or Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is notable for backpackers. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Austin or Santa Monica Better for Students?

Austin is notable for students. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not popular with students.

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

Austin is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have public transit.

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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is Austin or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Austin?

How long in Austin or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Santa Monica. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Santa Monica. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

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

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this entrepreneurial city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Austin or Santa Monica?

Austin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Santa Monica?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the eccentric destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Austin is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Santa Monica. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Santa Monica?

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

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Santa Monica. Many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In July, Austin usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Santa Monica. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the shopping scene.

In October, Austin is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Santa Monica in the Winter?

Both Santa Monica 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

Austin is cooler than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, Austin usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica 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. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the beaches.

In the spring, Austin is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Austin