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

Should you visit Budapest 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 Budapest and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Austin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, and hiking. Budapest is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Budapest different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Austin.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Austin is a must-see party destination. 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Budapest or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Budapest 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.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Austin?

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

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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

Is Budapest or Austin Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Austin.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Austin is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Budapest or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Many backpackers 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.

Is Budapest or Austin Better for Students?

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

Budapest is a great destination for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest 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 Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest or Austin a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

One day in Budapest or Austin?

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Austin?

Budapest 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.

Austin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Austin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Austin?

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

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic big city of Budapest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest is in Europe and Austin is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin than you might in Budapest.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Budapest Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Austin?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Austin. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest 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, Budapest is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Austin. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Austin. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

Budapest is much colder than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Austin. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Budapest 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.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Austin. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Austin. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Austin in the Spring?

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

In April, Budapest is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Austin. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Budapest