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

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Austin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a scenic, idyllic, and wild city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Cabo San Lucas and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Austin are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Austin is known for its museums & sights, food, music, and big city activities. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Austin and is known for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Cabo San Lucas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cabo San Lucas or Austin has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Cabo San Lucas just to party. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for live music. However, Cabo San Lucas is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. 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.

Cabo San Lucas is not a live music destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cabo San Lucas. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Cabo San Lucas to see the historical old town. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

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

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

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

Is Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Families?

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

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas and Austin are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

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.

Cabo San Lucas is not popular with students.

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

Cabo San Lucas is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cabo San Lucas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

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 Cabo San Lucas or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Cabo San Lucas is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

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 Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Austin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cabo San Lucas. 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.

In Austin, you'll find nightlife and live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

Cabo San Lucas is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Cabo San Lucas. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Austin. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cabo San Lucas and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Cabo San Lucas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cabo San Lucas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cabo San Lucas 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 Cabo San Lucas.

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

Which is Bigger, Cabo San Lucas or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cabo San Lucas. When comparing the sizes of Cabo San Lucas 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.