A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

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Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Austin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

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 live music, food, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Austin: Pros and Cons

Fort Lauderdale
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for food
Austin
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
Cons
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


How is Fort Lauderdale different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Food?

Fort Lauderdale
Austin

Austin has a longer list of notable local restaurants than Fort Lauderdale.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There is amazing Texas barbecue, excellent Mexican food, and diverse food trucks.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale
Austin

It's hard to distinguish whether Fort Lauderdale or Austin has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs.

Austin is a must-see party destination. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. Popular bars and clubs include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Shopping?

Fort Lauderdale
Austin

Shopping is a popular activity in both Austin and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale
Austin

Both Fort Lauderdale and Austin are family-friendly destinations.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities the kids will be entertained. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome.

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.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale
Austin

Fort Lauderdale offers a wider variety of romantic activities for couples than Austin.

Fort Lauderdale is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale.

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.


Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale
Austin

Fort Lauderdale is generally more walkable than Austin.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Austin is not a very walkable coastal city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fort Lauderdale and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Austin.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Fort Lauderdale is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Austin is 2-3 days.


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

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The eccentric destination of Austin offers live music and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

The city of Austin offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the bustling destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Austin. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Austin or Fort Lauderdale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fort Lauderdale is $146, 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 Fort Lauderdale and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fort Lauderdale $77
    Austin $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fort Lauderdale $154
    Austin $90
Compare Hotels in Fort Lauderdale and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale


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: Fort Lauderdale Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fort Lauderdale $41
    Austin $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Arrival Private Transfers from Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL to Hollywood: $103
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL to Hollywood: $117
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL to Hollywood: $100
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL to Hollywood: $77
  • Florida Transfers and Tours: $150
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) Private Arrival Transfer: $77
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Arrival Private Transfer: $98
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boca Raton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $197
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $137
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Boynton Beach - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $274
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Coral Gables - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Coral Gables - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Fort Lauderdale 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
    Fort Lauderdale $39
    Austin $28
Typical Food prices in Fort Lauderdale

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Fort Lauderdale:


  • Quick Lunch
    $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • All You Can Eat BBQ Dinner and Show at Tropical Isle with Sightseeing Cruise: $60

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.
    Fort Lauderdale $12
    Austin $22

Tours and Activities in Fort Lauderdale

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

  • Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals in Fort Lauderdale: $11
  • Fort Lauderdale Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Adventure Cruise in Fort Lauderdale (Family-Friendly): $23
  • 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruises: $23
  • Fort Lauderdale Daily Sightseeing Cruise - On the Venice of America: $27
  • Everglades Eco Adventure: 2-Hour Sawgrass Recreation Park: $28
  • Jungle Queen Sightseeing Cruise: $33
  • Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Show from Fort Lauderdale: $37
  • Ft Lauderdale Cocktail Cruise: $45
  • Island Time Boat Cruise: $45
  • 1-Hour Bike Tour of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: $47
  • SUP PUP Paddleboard Tour: $47

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:

  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $20
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Spy Adventure: Operation Mindfall: $25
  • Spy Adventure at the Domain in Austin: $25
  • Operation Mindfall, A Spy Adventure in Austin: $25
  • Austin Street Art Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $26
  • Downtown Austin Photo Tour: $26
  • Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fort Lauderdale $27
    Austin $23
Typical Alcohol prices in Fort Lauderdale

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Fort Lauderdale are as follows:


  • Beer
    $7.30

Sample the Local Flavors in Fort Lauderdale

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Party Bike Bar Crawl: $59

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 Fort Lauderdale and Austin, we can see that Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fort Lauderdale than you might in Austin.


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

Both Austin and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 83°F (28°C) in July, and Austin stays around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during summer. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Austin. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fort Lauderdale 83°F (28°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October are around 78°F (26°C), and Austin is about 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Austin. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fort Lauderdale 78°F (26°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than Austin. Temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Austin stays around 51°F (11°C).

In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Austin. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fort Lauderdale 67°F (20°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Austin. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The temperature in Fort Lauderdale is usually 75°F (24°C) in April, and Austin stays around 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 Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the spring, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Austin. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fort Lauderdale 75°F (24°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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Fort Lauderdale vs. Austin Travel Comparison

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