A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Jekyll Island vs. Austin for Food, Attractions, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Jekyll Island or Austin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Jekyll Island and Austin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a natural, relaxing, and secluded island. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and museums.

Austin

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

Jekyll Island and Austin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options


Is there more to do in Jekyll Island or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Jekyll Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Jekyll Island is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and hiking. Jekyll Island is well known for its quiet beaches and its Historic District. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Jekyll Island different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jekyll Island or Austin?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Jekyll Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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

Jekyll Island is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Mosaic is the history museum on the island. The museum also offers historic tours of the area's sites. The Historic District is a popular place to visit with its well-maintained historic cottages and other structures.


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

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Jekyll Island offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants are casual with low country dishes or fried seafood. You'll find some brunch places as well as cafes and quick dining eateries around town.

Is Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Jekyll Island. There are sunset cruises, but otherwise the nightlife scene is quiet.

Is Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Music?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Jekyll Island 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.

Jekyll Island is not a live music destination.


Is Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Resorts?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Jekyll Island is a island with a few options for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Jekyll Island has a few resort options worth checking out. You'll mostly find mid-range hotels on the island.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Beaches?

Jekyll Island
Austin

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Jekyll Island. Unspoiled beaches are the biggest draw. Some areas are rocky, but the beaches are peaceful and perfect for walks if you want to get away from the crowds. Much of the island is a state park, so it's undeveloped and pristine.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Hiking?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. The state park has some trails that are nice. There are also beach walks, bike trails, and routes that take you through historic sites.

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 Jekyll Island or Austin?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for shopping.

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Jekyll Island is a good destination for shopping. You'll find a few gift shops and boutiques, but in general, shopping options are limited.

Is Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Families?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Jekyll Island is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Jekyll Island is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love climbing and playing at Driftwood Beach, which is like a natural playground. Animal lovers will enjoy dolphin cruises or a visit to a turtle hospital. There's also the standard beach activities like minigolf, bike rental, and tram tours.

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 Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Couples?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Both Jekyll Island and Austin are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Jekyll Island is a good island for couples to visit. There are several basic hotels as well as a few campgrounds. Couples will enjoy the beaches, but the island is small with limited activities and restaurant options. If you love natural scenery then this is a great destination, but there are fewer amenities than there are in many beach areas.

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 Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options 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.

Jekyll Island is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a few campgrounds in the area as well as some nice beaches.

Is Jekyll Island or Austin Better for Students?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Jekyll Island is not popular with students.

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

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Jekyll Island. There are bus and trolley tours, but public transportation is mostly non-existent.


Is Jekyll Island or Austin a more walkable city?

Jekyll Island
Austin

Austin is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Jekyll Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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.

Jekyll Island is not a walkable island. Resources are spread out, so you really need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Jekyll Island Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Jekyll Island?

How long in Jekyll Island or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jekyll Island and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jekyll Island than in Austin. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Jekyll Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Jekyll Island 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.


  • How many days in Jekyll Island or Austin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jekyll Island 2-4 
    Austin 2-3

One day in Jekyll Island or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Jekyll Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Austin. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Jekyll Island or Austin?

Jekyll Island 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Jekyll Island or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jekyll Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Jekyll Island or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the secluded destination of Jekyll Island. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Austin. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Jekyll Island?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jekyll Island is $156, 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 Jekyll Island and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jekyll Island $88
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jekyll Island $176
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Jekyll Island and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island


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: Jekyll Island Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jekyll Island $41
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Jekyll Island or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Jekyll Island 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
    Jekyll Island $45
    Austin $35

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.
    Jekyll Island $10
    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:

  • Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
  • Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $99
  • Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
  • Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
  • Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
  • Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
  • Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
  • Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $452

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jekyll Island $6.43
    Austin $28

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 comparing the travel costs between Jekyll Island and Austin, we can see that Jekyll Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Jekyll Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Jekyll Island for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. In the summer, Jekyll Island often gets less sunshine than Austin. Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Jekyll Island gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jekyll Island 82°F (28°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jekyll Island and Austin. The autumn months attract visitors to Jekyll Island because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In October, Jekyll Island is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Jekyll Island gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Jekyll Island usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Jekyll Island gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jekyll Island 70°F (21°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jekyll Island as well as Austin. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jekyll Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jekyll Island 53°F (12°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Jekyll Island or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Jekyll Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Jekyll Island for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Jekyll Island is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jekyll Island 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 Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Jekyll Island gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Jekyll Island usually receives less rain than Austin. Jekyll Island gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jekyll Island 68°F (20°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)