A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Hiking

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

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Gatlinburg and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Gatlinburg different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for winter skiing. However, Austin is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Austin is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Austin?

Austin is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Austin is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Gatlinburg and Austin.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for live music. However, Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a live music destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Austin?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Austin both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Austin offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Families?

Austin is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Couples?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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 Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

Austin is very popular with students. 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.

Gatlinburg is not popular with students.

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

Gatlinburg is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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 Gatlinburg or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Gatlinburg is very walkable. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Austin is generally not a very walkable 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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Gatlinburg or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Austin. The hiking are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Gatlinburg is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 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 Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Austin. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. 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 the autumn, Gatlinburg is cooler than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gatlinburg in October average around 63°F (17°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Austin in the Winter?

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

Gatlinburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Gatlinburg is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 40°F (5°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Austin. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Austin in the Spring?

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

Gatlinburg is cooler than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 62°F (17°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Gatlinburg