A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Charlotte vs. Austin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

North America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

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

Where Should I go: Charlotte or Austin?

Charlotte

With a population of almost 800,000, Charlotte is the largest city in the state of North Carolina. The city has grown rapidly in recent years and the thriving economy has led to major revitalization efforts in the city's central district. The city is a center for finance, industry, technology, and entertainment within the state. It is the location of the corporate headquarters of Bank of America as well as the east coast operations of Wells Fargo, making it the second largest banking center in the United States. Although Charlotte has never been considered a significant tourist destination, recent efforts to enhance the urban core and develop entertainment venues have begun to appeal to outside visitors.

Austin

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.

Which city is cheaper, Austin or Charlotte?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Charlotte is $153, while the average daily cost in Austin is $114. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Charlotte and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Charlotte $94
    Austin $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Charlotte $188
    Austin $90
Compare Hotels in Charlotte and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Charlotte or Austin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Charlotte


Hotels in Austin


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Charlotte Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Charlotte $27
    Austin $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Charlotte

Also for Charlotte, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by SUV: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT to Charlotte by Sedan car: $86
  • Charlotte City to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) to Charlotte City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT Sedan Car: $85
  • Departure Private Transfer Charlotte to Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT by SUV: $140
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Charlotte Douglas Airport CLT: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer to Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT): $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
  • Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109
  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Charlotte or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Charlotte change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Charlotte $37
    Austin $28
Typical Food prices in Charlotte

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Charlotte:


  • Pizza at Airport
    $4.03
  • Cracker Barrel Lunch (family of 4)
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Secret Food Tour: $90
  • Austin Food Tour by Bus with Live Band On Board: $93
  • Austin Beer and Food Tour by Bike: $97
  • Private Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin: $103
  • East Austin Urban Farms & Brewery Food Tour by Bike: $106
  • Wood Fired Dinner Series at the Austin Winery: $159
  • Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Charlotte $34
    Austin $22

Tours and Activities in Charlotte

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Charlotte.

  • Charlotte Beyond the Grave Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour: $18
  • Queen City Ghost Tour: $22
  • Charlotte Ghost Walking Tour: $23
  • Charlotte Comedy City Tour: $30
  • Charlotte Comedy City PG-13 Tour: $35
  • Charlotte's Historical City Tour: $38
  • 90-Minute Electric Cart City Sightseeing Tour: $40
  • Belize Jungle Limo - Triple Activity Tour: $50
  • Historic Uptown 90-Minute Segway Tour: $60
  • Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte: $60
  • Private and Custom Tours: $75
  • Discover Charlotte Historic City: Segway Tour: $234

Typical Entertainment prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 48-Hour Austin Hop-On Hop-Off Blue Line City Tour: $45
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure: $62
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Austin City Landmarks and Taco Tour by Bike: $97
  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $69
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $71
  • Austin Electric Minibike Adventure Tour: $77
  • Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $59
  • Austin Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $81
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $33
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Charlotte $16
    Austin $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Charlotte

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Charlotte:

  • Haunted Charlotte Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte: $41
  • 3-Hour Charlotte Brewery Crawl Tour: $54

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • More than a Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tours through East Austin via Motorized Pedicab: $40
  • Austin Pedicab Brewery Tour with Beer Flights Included Option: $46
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $81
  • Private Texas Hill Country Half-Day Wine Tour from Austin: $140
  • Texas Hill Country Wine Tour by Limousine: $175
  • Customizable Austin Distillery and Brewery Tour: $206
  • Half-Day Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Austin with Tastings: $240

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Charlotte 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 Charlotte or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Charlotte as well as Austin. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Charlotte is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Charlotte in July are around 81°F (27°C), and Austin is about 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 Charlotte this time of the year. In the summer, Charlotte often gets less sunshine than Austin. Charlotte gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Charlotte receives a lot of rain in the summer. Charlotte usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Charlotte gets 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Charlotte 81°F (27°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Charlotte are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

In October, Charlotte is generally cooler than Austin. Temperatures in Charlotte average around 63°F (17°C), and Austin stays around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Charlotte. Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Charlotte gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Charlotte usually receives less rain than Austin. Charlotte gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Charlotte during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Charlotte is much colder than Austin in the winter. The temperature in Charlotte is usually 42°F (6°C) in January, and Austin stays around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Charlotte often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Charlotte gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Charlotte usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Charlotte gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Charlotte 42°F (6°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Charlotte or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Charlotte and Austin. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Charlotte is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Charlotte in April are around 63°F (17°C), and Austin is about 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Charlotte, it's very sunny this time of the year. Charlotte usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Charlotte gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Charlotte usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Charlotte gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Charlotte 63°F (17°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Charlotte

Charlotte Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 42°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 54°F (12°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 63°F (17°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 71°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 74°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 54°F (12°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 46°F (8°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

More City Comparisons
Washington vs. Charlotte
Washington vs. Austin
Clearwater vs. Charlotte
Clearwater vs. Austin
Fort Lauderdale vs. Charlotte
Fort Lauderdale vs. Austin
Gainesville vs. Charlotte
Gainesville vs. Austin
Jacksonville vs. Charlotte
Jacksonville vs. Austin
Miami vs. Charlotte
Miami vs. Austin
Orlando vs. Charlotte
Orlando vs. Austin
Saint Petersburg vs. Charlotte
Saint Petersburg vs. Austin
Tallahassee vs. Charlotte
Tallahassee vs. Austin
Tampa vs. Charlotte
Tampa vs. Austin
Atlanta vs. Charlotte
Atlanta vs. Austin
Savannah vs. Charlotte
Savannah vs. Austin
New Orleans vs. Charlotte
New Orleans vs. Austin
Baltimore vs. Charlotte
Baltimore vs. Austin
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Charlotte vs. Austin Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.