A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Austin vs. Toronto for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Austin or Toronto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Toronto, 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. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food. See Austin travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toronto travel costs.

Austin and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Austin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin is known for its food, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Toronto is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Austin different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Toronto that are not to be missed. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. 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

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

Austin is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Austin or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Austin or Toronto has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Austin just to party. 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.

The nightlife in Toronto is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

Is Austin or Toronto Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for live music. However, Toronto is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Toronto is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Toronto Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Toronto?

Toronto is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Toronto is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto More Beautiful?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Toronto Better for Families?

Toronto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

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 Toronto Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Toronto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin and Toronto are high quality places to visit 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.

Many backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Austin or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Toronto is a great destination for students. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. 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.

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

Toronto is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Toronto can get you around easily. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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

Is Austin or Toronto a more walkable city?

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

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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 Toronto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Austin?

How long in Austin or Toronto?

Both Austin and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Austin. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toronto than Austin 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 Toronto.

One day in Austin or Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto. 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 Toronto?

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.

Toronto 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Austin as well as Toronto. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toronto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Austin is a little warmer than Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In the summer, Austin often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Toronto. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Toronto averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Toronto. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Toronto in the Winter?

Both Toronto and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Toronto can be very cold during winter. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Austin often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in January than Toronto. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Toronto. Most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toronto because of the activities around the city.

Austin is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Toronto. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Austin