A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Miami vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Couples

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

Miami

Miami is a diverse, bustling, and high energy beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Miami and Austin: Pros and Cons

Miami
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Good for shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
Austin
Pros
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


How is Miami different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Miami or Austin Better for Food?

Miami
Austin

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Miami and Austin can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

Miami has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is known for its Stone Crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and Key Lime pie.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Austin is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There is amazing Texas barbecue, excellent Mexican food, and diverse food trucks.


Is Miami or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Miami
Austin

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Miami and Austin.

Miami has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. Popular bars and clubs include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Music?

Miami
Austin

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Miami or Austin.

Miami is a world class music destination. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

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.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Shopping?

Miami
Austin

Most people pick Miami for the shopping over Austin.

Miami is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases.

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

Is Miami or Austin Better for Families?

Miami
Austin

You'll find kid-friendly activities in either Miami or Austin.

Miami doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Because it's so big, you'll find some kid-friendly options in the area. There are kid-friendly museums and activities around the city.

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.


Is Miami or Austin Better for Couples?

Miami
Austin

Both Miami and Austin are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Miami frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be.

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.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami
Austin

Miami and Austin are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Miami is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Students?

Miami
Austin

Miami and Austin are comparable places to visit for students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

Austin is a great beach city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students to experience and enjoy.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Public Transit?

Miami
Austin

Miami provides more public transit options than Austin.

You'll find some public transit in Miami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Austin.


Is Miami or Austin a more walkable city?

Miami
Austin

Miami is generally more walkable than Austin.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Austin is not a very walkable beach city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Miami?

How long in Miami or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Miami and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Austin than Miami.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Miami is 7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Austin is 2-3 days.


  • How many days in Miami or Austin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Miami 7 
    Austin 2-3

One day in Miami or Austin?

Miami is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Austin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this entrepreneurial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Austin?

Miami is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Austin is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Austin. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Miami or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glamorous big city of Miami. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Austin or Miami?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $164, while the average daily cost in Austin is $114. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Miami $105
    Austin $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Miami $210
    Austin $90
Compare Hotels in Miami and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Miami 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 Miami


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: Miami Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Miami $30
    Austin $38
Typical Local Transportation prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:


  • Car Rental for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

  • 2019 50 Passenger Bus Transport Airport/port Transfers, Miami/broward: $613
  • 56 Passenger Motor Coach Transport Airport/port Transfers, Miami/broward: $669
  • Airport Transfers, Car Service, Executive Transportation: $89
  • Arrival Private Transfer Miami Airport MIA to Miami by Business Car: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Miami Airport MIA to Miami Beach in Business Car: $98
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Miami Airport MIA to Miami Beach in Luxury SUV: $123
  • Cruise Port of Miami to Miami Airport (MIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Everglades Airboat Tour with Transfer from Miami: $124
  • Luxury Airport Transfer from Miami International Airport: $33
  • Miami Airport (MIA) to Boca Raton - Arrival Private Transfer: $153
  • Miami Airport (MIA) to Boca Raton - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $306
  • Miami Airport (MIA) to Boynton Beach - Arrival Private Transfer: $180

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $187
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport One Way Transfer: $69
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $86
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Private Austin Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $128
  • Private Austin Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $114
  • Private Departure Transfer to Austin Bergstrom Airport AUS: $40
  • Transfer from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Austin: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Miami 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
    Miami $33
    Austin $28
Typical Food prices in Miami

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


  • Lunch with Drinks (for 2)
    $45
  • David's Cafe Lunch (for 1)
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

  • Little Havana Street Food Tours: $61
  • Haitian Cooking Experience: $85
  • Private Little Havana Cuban Food Tour: $99
  • Private VIP Historical Citywide Food Tour: $159

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Secret Food Tour: $90
  • Austin Food Tour by Bus with Live Band On Board: $93
  • Austin Beer and Food Tour by Bike: $97
  • Private Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin: $103
  • East Austin Urban Farms & Brewery Food Tour by Bike: $106
  • Wood Fired Dinner Series at the Austin Winery: $159
  • Secret Food Tour of Downtown Austin w/ Private Tour Option: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Miami $25
    Austin $22

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1/2 Hour Jet Ski Island Adventure: $5.00
  • Haunted Themed Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.84
  • Miami Dance Cruise: $11
  • Little Havana: Beyond Cuba Tour: $20
  • La Perle de Little Haiti Tour: $20
  • La Perle De Little Haiti Tour: $20
  • Pirates Adventures Sightseeing Tour from Miami: $23
  • Miami Skyline View Cruise: $23
  • Skip the Line: Zoo Miami Ticket with Optional Upgrade: $25
  • Biscayne Bay Boat Tour in Miami: $25
  • Best of Little Havana Miami Tour: $25
  • Sightseeing Cruise of Biscayne Bay: $27

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 Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $20
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
  • Spy Adventure: Operation Mindfall: $25
  • Spy Adventure at the Domain in Austin: $25
  • Operation Mindfall, A Spy Adventure in Austin: $25
  • Austin Street Art Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $26
  • Downtown Austin Photo Tour: $26
  • Austin and Hill Country Sightseeing Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Miami $18
    Austin $23
Typical Alcohol prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

  • Making Your Own Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience: $190

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
  • More than a Pub Crawl: $24
  • Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour: $27
  • Brewery Tours through East Austin via Motorized Pedicab: $40
  • Austin Pedicab Brewery Tour with Beer Flights Included Option: $46
  • The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $81
  • Private Texas Hill Country Half-Day Wine Tour from Austin: $140
  • Texas Hill Country Wine Tour by Limousine: $175
  • Customizable Austin Distillery and Brewery Tour: $206
  • Half-Day Brewery and Craft Beer Tour in Austin with Tastings: $240

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Miami or Austin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Miami or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Miami is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The temperature in Miami is usually 83°F (28°C) in July, and Austin stays around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during summer. Miami gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Miami. In July, Miami usually receives more rain than Austin. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Miami 83°F (28°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Miami or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Miami during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Miami for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, 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, Miami is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October are around 78°F (26°C), and Austin is about 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Miami. In the autumn, Miami often gets more sunshine than Austin. Miami gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Miami 78°F (26°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Miami or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Austin. Many visitors come to Miami in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Miami is generally much warmer than Austin. Temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Austin stays around 51°F (11°C).

In Miami, it's very sunny this time of the year. Miami usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Miami gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Miami usually receives more rain than Austin. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Miami 67°F (20°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Miami or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Miami as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Miami is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The temperature in Miami is usually 75°F (24°C) in April, and Austin stays around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Miami this time of the year. In the spring, Miami often gets more sunshine than Austin. Miami gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Miami usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Austin and Miami

Miami Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (20°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 72°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 75°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 79°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 83°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)


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Miami vs. Austin Travel Comparison

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