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

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

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Both Austin and Fort Lauderdale have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Austin is known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Austin and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

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.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Austin. 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

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

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. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a world class 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.

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. 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. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a live music destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Hiking?

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

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or 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 is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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 love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Fort Lauderdale is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Fort Lauderdale is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Fort Lauderdale and Austin.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or Austin a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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 generally 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. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

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 in Austin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Fort Lauderdale 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 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 entrepreneurial 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 luxury 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.

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.

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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Fort Lauderdale. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 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 daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates 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.

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 average around 78°F (26°C), and Austin averages at 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.

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. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and Austin fluctuates 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.

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 daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for Austin and Fort Lauderdale