Which place is cheaper, Tucson or Austin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Austin or Tucson?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Tucson, 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 Tucson?
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.
Tucson
Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sunny, dry climate. As a gateway to the American Southwest, Tucson blends a laid-back atmosphere with strong Mexican and Native American influences, creating a unique desert city experience. Its historic neighborhoods feature colorful adobe architecture, lively murals, and a thriving arts scene. Nature lovers are drawn to Tucson for its easy access to saguaro-studded national parks, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunsets. With a strong university presence, the city pulses with youthful energy, affordable entertainment, and a dynamic culinary scene. Budget travelers will appreciate Tucson’s range of low-cost attractions and accessible public spaces, making it an excellent base for exploring both city sights and the nearby wilderness. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking up desert vibes, Tucson offers something for every traveler.
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 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.
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Austin Prices
USA PricesTucson Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAustin $167Tucson $184
The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $167, while the average daily cost in Tucson is $184. 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 Tucson in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAustin $56Tucson $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAustin $112Tucson $186
Compare Hotels in Austin and Tucson
Looking for a hotel in Austin or Tucson? 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.
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 Tucson Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Austin $47Tucson $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125
- Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
- AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Tucson?
Prices for flights to both Tucson 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
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Food Meals for one dayAustin $60Tucson $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
- Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery: $75
- Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
- Street Art and Street Food Tour: $77
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Austin South Congress Food Tour +6 Tastings, Local BBQ & Sweets: $99
- Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
- Secret Food Tour: $106
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $117
- Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Austin $28Tucson $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Austin's Best Speakeasies 3-Hour Guided Tour: $50
- 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
- 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
- 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
- Austin Aquarium Entry Ticket: $31
- Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $85
- Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
- Austin E-Bike Tour: $75
- Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $54
- Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAustin $28Tucson $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
- Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
- Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
- East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
- At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75
- Street Art and Brewery Bike Tour: $77
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- Brewery Tour with Live Music and Beer Tastings: $130
- Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175
When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Tucson, we can see that Tucson 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 Tucson Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Austin or Tucson?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Tucson. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Tucson, 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.
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.