A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Melbourne or Austin?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Austin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne than Austin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Melbourne is very popular for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Melbourne different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Austin.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

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

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

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Austin. 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.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Austin Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

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

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Austin?

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

Melbourne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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

Is Melbourne or Austin Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Austin Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Austin make for a nice place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Melbourne or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Austin Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

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.

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

Melbourne is a great destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Melbourne is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Austin. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Austin?

Melbourne 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.

You'll find live music and food around the unconventional destination of Austin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the eccentric city of Austin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. 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 choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Austin, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melbourne is in Pacific 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 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Austin?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Austin?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Austin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Melbourne is generally much colder than Austinin July. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Austinin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Austinin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Austin. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Melbourne is cooler than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Austinin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Melbourne is cooler than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C)in January.

In the winter, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Austinin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Austinin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In October, Melbourne is generally much colder than Austinin April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Austinin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Melbourne