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

Should you visit Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Jacksonville travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping. See Austin travel costs.

Jacksonville and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Jacksonville, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Jacksonville is more popular for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities. Austin is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area.

How is Jacksonville different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Austin and Jacksonville.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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

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

Austin is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

Is Jacksonville or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 people in Jacksonville know how to have a good time. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Is Jacksonville or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for its music scene. However, Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Jacksonville is not a live music destination.

Is Jacksonville or Austin Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jacksonville. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Jacksonville or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Austin?

Jacksonville is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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

Is Jacksonville or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Jacksonville is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jacksonville or Austin Better for Families?

Both Jacksonville and Austin are notable family-friendly destinations.

Jacksonville is a family-friendly city. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. 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 Jacksonville or Austin Better for Couples?

Jacksonville and Austin both notable destinations for a couple.

Jacksonville is a good city for couples to visit. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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 Jacksonville or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Jacksonville or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Jacksonville is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville or Austin a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jacksonville and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Jacksonville. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. 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.

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this unconventional city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Austin?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the unconventional destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Jacksonville or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Jacksonville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Austin?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Jacksonville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, 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.

In the summer, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jacksonville in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jacksonville. In the summer, Jacksonville often gets less sunshine than Austin. Jacksonville gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Jacksonville gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jacksonville and Austin. Most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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 October, Jacksonville is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Jacksonville average around 70°F (21°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Jacksonville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Jacksonville gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jacksonville usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Jacksonville gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jacksonville as well as Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Jacksonville because of the museums, 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.

Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Jacksonville averages around 53°F (12°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Jacksonville often gets more sunshine than Austin. Jacksonville gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Jacksonville usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Jacksonville gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Jacksonville or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Jacksonville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jacksonville is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jacksonville in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jacksonville. Jacksonville usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Jacksonville gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jacksonville usually receives less rain than Austin. Jacksonville gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Jacksonville is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Austin and Jacksonville