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

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. See Miami travel costs.

Austin

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

Miami and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Miami or Austin?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Miami than Austin. While Austin is larger than Miami, Miami has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Miami is more popular for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Miami is more touristy than Austin and is known for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

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.

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

Austin is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Miami does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Miami and Austin can be difficult as they are each terrific 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 a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city 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. 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.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Nightlife?

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. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

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.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Music?

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. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Resorts?

Miami is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Miami offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Beaches?

Miami is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Miami are among the best in the world. If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Miami is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Miami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Austin?

Miami is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

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 More Beautiful?

Austin is a city with a few options for its scenery and beauty. However, Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Miami is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Families?

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

Miami is a very family-friendly place to visit. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

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 Miami or Austin Better for Couples?

Miami is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

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. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Miami. This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Is Miami or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is well known for students. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Austin is very popular with students. 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.

It's common for students to visit Miami. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

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

Miami 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 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 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 Miami or Austin a more walkable city?

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

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 generally 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. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

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 in Miami. Usually, 7 days is a good amount of time for Miami, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

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

Miami 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.

In Austin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this unconventional 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. 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.

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 bustling big city of Miami. This beach 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the eccentric 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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.

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

Which is Bigger, Miami or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Miami. When comparing the sizes of Miami 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 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 daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates 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.

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 average around 78°F (26°C), and Austin averages at 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.

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. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Austin fluctuates 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.

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 daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates 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.

Typical Weather for Austin and Miami