Which place is cheaper, Austin or Dayton?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dayton or Austin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dayton or Austin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Dayton or Austin?
Dayton
Located in southwest Ohio, Dayton is known as the "Gem City." It's the original home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who designed the first airplane. You'll also find the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park here, which is one of the only multi-site National Parks in the United States. The cities climate has four different seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter months are quite cold and you can expect a decent amount of snow in the area. Spring remains cool and there are infrequent showers. This is also the peak time for tornadoes in the area. Summer is hot and humid and can be unpleasant at times, but fall is crisp and refreshing with occasional storms and infrequent tornadoes.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDayton $323Austin $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Dayton is $323, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dayton and Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDayton $250Austin $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDayton $500Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Dayton and Austin
Looking for a hotel in Dayton 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.
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: Dayton Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dayton $25Austin $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
- Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Dayton or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin and Dayton 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
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Food Meals for one dayDayton $61Austin $35
Typical Food Prices in Dayton
Some typical examples of dining costs in Dayton are as follows:
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Noodle Company Lunch (for 2)$17
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- East Austin Food Tour: $44
- Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
- Secret Food Tour: $96
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $106
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dayton -Austin $28
Tours and Activities in Dayton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dayton are as follows:
- Daytona Beach: Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
- Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
- Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
- Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
- Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
- City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
- Downtown History Walking Tour: $30
- Slick Dick's Wild Ride Entry Ticket: $30
- Austin Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- Forest Mindfulness and Embodiment Experience: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDayton -Austin $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Dayton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dayton:
- Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
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
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
- Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $65
- From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dayton and Austin, we can see that Dayton 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 Dayton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dayton than you might in Austin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dayton Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dayton or Austin?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dayton. When comparing the sizes of Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton or Austin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dayton and Austin. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
In the summer, Dayton is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dayton in July average around 78°F (26°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Dayton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dayton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during summer. Dayton gets 298 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dayton usually receives more rain than Austin. Dayton gets 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDayton 78°F (26°C)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Austin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dayton as well as Austin. Also, many travelers 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.
In October, Dayton is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Dayton average around 57°F (14°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the autumn, Dayton often gets less sunshine than Austin. Dayton gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Dayton gets 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDayton 57°F (14°C)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Austin in the Winter?
Both Austin and Dayton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dayton. Dayton is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Dayton averages around 30°F (-1°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
Dayton usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Dayton gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dayton usually receives more rain than Austin. Dayton gets 2.1 inches (54 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDayton 30°F (-1°C)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Dayton or Austin in the Spring?
Both Austin and Dayton during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Dayton is much colder than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dayton in April average around 55°F (13°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).
In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dayton. In the spring, Dayton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Dayton gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.
Dayton usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Austin. Dayton gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDayton 55°F (13°C)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and Dayton
| Dayton | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 30°F (-1°C) | 2.1 inches (54 mm) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 33°F (1°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 55°F (13°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 65°F (18°C) | 4 inches (102 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 78°F (26°C) | 3.4 inches (86 mm) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 69°F (21°C) | 2.6 inches (65 mm) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 57°F (14°C) | 2.5 inches (64 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 47°F (8°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 35°F (2°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.