A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Havana vs. Austin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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

Where Should I go: Havana or Austin?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Havana?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, 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 Havana and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Havana $40
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Havana $80
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Havana and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Havana 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 Havana


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: Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Havana $19
    Austin $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Havana 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
    Havana $10
    Austin $35
Typical Food Prices in Havana

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


  • Pizza
    $0.03

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
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Havana $11
    Austin $28

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
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Austin by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
  • Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Austin Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour Guide: $17
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
  • Austin Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Ghost Maker Tour in Georgetown: Adults Only: $25
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • KuneKune Pig Farm Tour: $25
  • Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Havana $5.76
    Austin $28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15

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
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
  • Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana is in Caribbean Islands and Austin is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin than you might in Havana.

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


Which is Bigger, Havana or Austin?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Austin?

Austin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Havana or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Havana is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

In July, Havana usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Havana or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Havana during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. 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 October, Havana is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Havana usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Austin. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Havana 25°C (77°F) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Havana or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Havana is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Havana usually receives less rain than Austin. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Havana 21°C (70°F) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Havana or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Havana as well as Austin. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Havana is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Havana usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Austin and Havana

Havana Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)