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

Should you visit Baltimore or Austin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Baltimore and Austin are about the same size, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Baltimore is more touristy than Austin and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Baltimore different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Austin?

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Baltimore and Austin.

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Baltimore or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Baltimore or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party 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.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Baltimore or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a live music destination.

Is Baltimore or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Austin?

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

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Baltimore or Austin Better for Families?

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

Baltimore is a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

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 Baltimore or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Austin are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Baltimore or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Baltimore or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Austin is very popular with students. 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Baltimore is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Baltimore or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Baltimore. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Baltimore 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 Baltimore or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baltimore. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Austin?

Baltimore 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.

You'll find live music and food around the eccentric destination of Austin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Austin?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entrepreneurial city of Austin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Austin?

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

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Austin, 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 Baltimore or Austin?

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 Baltimore or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baltimore is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Austin. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Baltimore is much colder than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Baltimore often gets less sunshine than Austin. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Austin. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Baltimore is much colder than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives more rain than Austin. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Baltimore is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Baltimore