A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Blue Ridge vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit Blue Ridge or Austin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Blue Ridge and Austin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a charming, outdoorsy, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Blue Ridge and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Blue Ridge or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Blue Ridge and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Blue Ridge is known for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Blue Ridge different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Blue Ridge or Austin?

Austin is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Blue Ridge or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Blue Ridge or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a live music destination.

Is Blue Ridge or Austin Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Blue Ridge or Austin?

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

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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

Is Blue Ridge or Austin Better for Families?

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

Blue Ridge is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

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 Blue Ridge or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge and Austin are both great destinations for backpackers.

Blue Ridge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Austin is a great town 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.

Is Blue Ridge or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Austin is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Blue Ridge or Austin a more walkable city?

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Austin is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Blue Ridge?

How long in Blue Ridge or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Blue Ridge and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than in Austin. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Blue Ridge, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

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

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With live music and food around the unconventional city of Austin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Blue Ridge or Austin?

Blue Ridge 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Austin, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Blue Ridge or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Blue Ridge or Austin?

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Blue Ridge and Austin, we can see that Austin 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 Blue Ridge Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Blue Ridge or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge or Austin?

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 Blue Ridge or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Blue Ridge during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Blue Ridge is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. In the summer, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Austin. Blue Ridge gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Blue Ridge gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Blue Ridge and Austin. Most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Blue Ridge is cooler than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Blue Ridge in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Blue Ridge gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Blue Ridge usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Blue Ridge gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Blue Ridge as well as Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. In January, Blue Ridge is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Blue Ridge average around 40°F (5°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Blue Ridge often gets less sunshine than Austin. Blue Ridge gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. Blue Ridge usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Blue Ridge gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Blue Ridge or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Blue Ridge are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Blue Ridge is cooler than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Blue Ridge averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Blue Ridge gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. In April, Blue Ridge usually receives more rain than Austin. Blue Ridge gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Blue Ridge