A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chapel Hill vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chapel Hill or Austin?

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

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Austin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Chapel Hill and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chapel Hill or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Chapel Hill, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Chapel Hill different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chapel Hill or Austin?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chapel Hill or Austin.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Chapel Hill or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Chapel Hill or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Chapel Hill for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

Is Chapel Hill or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for its music scene. However, Chapel Hill is not a live music destination.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a live music destination.

Is Chapel Hill or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Chapel Hill is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chapel Hill or Austin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Austin and Chapel Hill.

Many visitors go to Chapel Hill to go shopping. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Chapel Hill or Austin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Chapel Hill or Austin.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Chapel Hill. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

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 Chapel Hill or Austin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Chapel Hill and Austin make for a notable place to visit.

Chapel Hill is a good town for couples to visit. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. 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 Chapel Hill or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. However, Chapel Hill is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Chapel Hill is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a young population thanks to the university, but there's little else to attract backpackers.

Is Chapel Hill or Austin Better for Students?

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

Chapel Hill is a great destination for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

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

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need 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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Chapel Hill?

How long in Chapel Hill or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chapel Hill and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Chapel Hill. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Chapel Hill, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Chapel Hill or Austin?

Chapel Hill 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Chapel Hill or Austin?

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

The lively city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Chapel Hill or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-oriented destination of Chapel Hill. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Chapel Hill or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chapel Hill. When comparing the sizes of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Chapel Hill are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chapel Hill is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chapel Hill in July average around 79°F (26°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Chapel Hill gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Chapel Hill. In July, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Austin. Chapel Hill gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Austin in the Autumn?

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

In October, Chapel Hill is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Chapel Hill average around 61°F (16°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chapel Hill. In the autumn, Chapel Hill often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Chapel Hill gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chapel Hill and Austin. Most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chapel Hill can be very cold during winter. Chapel Hill is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Chapel Hill averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Chapel Hill usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during winter. Chapel Hill gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chapel Hill usually receives more rain than Austin. Chapel Hill gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chapel Hill or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chapel Hill as well as Austin. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the spring, Chapel Hill is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chapel Hill in April average around 60°F (16°C), and Austin averages at about 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 Chapel Hill this time of the year. In the spring, Chapel Hill often gets more sunshine than Austin. Chapel Hill gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Chapel Hill usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill