A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Daytona Beach vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Daytona Beach or Austin?

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

Should I visit Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a energetic, lively, and fun beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and beaches.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively 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.

Daytona Beach and Austin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less active music scene
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Daytona Beach or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Daytona Beach. Austin is bigger than Daytona Beach, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is better known for its museums, food, music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Daytona Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and big city activities. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Austin and is known for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Daytona Beach different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Daytona Beach or Austin?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Daytona Beach or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Both Daytona Beach and Austin are fantastic when it comes to partying.

Daytona Beach is a world class party destination. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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.

Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Music?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for its music scene. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for live music.

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.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.


Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Resorts?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Daytona Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Beaches?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Daytona Beach is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

Daytona Beach has a beach worth visiting. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Hiking?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Daytona Beach 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.

Daytona Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Daytona Beach or Austin?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Austin to go shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Families?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Couples?

Daytona Beach
Austin

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

Daytona Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

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 Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Daytona Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Daytona Beach or Austin Better for Students?

Daytona Beach
Austin

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

Daytona Beach is a great destination for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

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

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.


Is Daytona Beach or Austin a more walkable city?

Daytona Beach
Austin

Austin is a moderate city for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its walkability.

Austin is generally not very walkable. 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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach city. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

For even more information, also check out Is Daytona Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Daytona Beach?

How long in Daytona Beach or Austin?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach 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.


  • How many days in Daytona Beach or Austin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Daytona Beach 7 
    Austin 2-3

One day in Daytona Beach or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the unconventional destination of Austin. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Daytona Beach or Austin?

Daytona Beach 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Daytona Beach or Austin?

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

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the lively destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Daytona Beach or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lively destination of Daytona Beach. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Austin. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Daytona Beach?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Daytona Beach is $211, 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 Daytona Beach and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Daytona Beach $84
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Daytona Beach $168
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Daytona Beach and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach


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: Daytona Beach Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Daytona Beach $53
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Daytona Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Daytona Beach:

  • Private Transfer from Daytona to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $200
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from New Smyrna Beach to Port Canaveral: $239

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: $96
  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Daytona Beach or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Daytona Beach 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
    Daytona Beach $80
    Austin $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Daytona Beach

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

  • Polynesian Fire and Dinner Show Ticket in Daytona Beach: $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • 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: $97
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $107
  • The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Daytona Beach $28
    Austin $28

Tours and Activities in Daytona Beach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Daytona Beach are as follows:

  • St. Johns River Nature Cruise at Blue Spring State Park : $28
  • Wildlife Tour of Indian River Lagoon with Experienced Captain: $32
  • The Great Daytona Wine Bar Tour: $40
  • Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach: $45
  • Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park: $59
  • New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach: $65
  • Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs: $65
  • Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach: $65
  • Ormond Beach Manatee and Nature Tour Kayaking or Paddle Boarding: $65
  • Guided Kayaking or Standup Paddling Tour: $65
  • 2 Hour Coastal Discovery Cruise: $75

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:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Round Rock by Operation City Quest: $10
  • 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
  • The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
  • Private 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience in Texas: $27
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
  • City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
  • Forest Mindfulness and Embodiment Experience: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Daytona Beach $43
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Daytona Beach

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

  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl: $38
  • Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach: $40

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: $44
  • 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
  • Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


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


Which is Bigger, Daytona Beach or Austin?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Daytona Beach and Austin. Many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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, Daytona Beach is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Daytona Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

Daytona Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Austin. Daytona Beach gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Daytona Beach as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, 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, Daytona Beach is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Daytona Beach average around 74°F (23°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Daytona Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Daytona Beach usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Daytona Beach gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Daytona Beach 74°F (23°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Daytona Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Daytona Beach is a little warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Daytona Beach averages around 58°F (14°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Daytona Beach usually receives more rain than Austin. Daytona Beach gets 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Daytona Beach 58°F (14°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Daytona Beach or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Daytona Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the spring, Daytona Beach is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Daytona Beach in April average around 69°F (21°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Daytona Beach usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Daytona Beach gets 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Daytona Beach 69°F (21°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 58°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 65°F (18°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 69°F (21°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 75°F (24°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 6 inches (152 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.2 inches (157 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 80°F (26°C) 6.3 inches (161 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 66°F (19°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 60°F (16°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)