A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Nags Head vs. Austin for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Nags Head or Austin?

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

Should I visit Nags Head 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.

Nags Head

It's also known for food.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Nags Head and Austin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Nags Head or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Nags Head and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more touristy than Nags Head and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital. Nags Head is popular for

How is Nags Head different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nags Head or Austin?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is great for its historical sights. However, Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nags Head does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nags Head. There are a wide variety of seafood restaurants that serve locally caught fish, shrimp, and crabs. Cajon flavors are popular and you'll also find cheese grits at many places.

Is Nags Head or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Nags Head is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nags Head or Austin Better for Music?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Nags Head is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital 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.

Nags Head is not a live music destination.


Is Nags Head or Austin Better for Hiking?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Nags Head 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.

Nags Head is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nags Head or Austin?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is a popular place for shopping. However, Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Nags Head is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nags Head or Austin Better for Families?

Nags Head
Austin

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

Nags Head is a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a wonderful base for the many family-friendly activities in the area. Jockey's Ridge is a fun place to visit with kids. There are also wonderful beaches and many kids enjoying flying kites.

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 Nags Head or Austin Better for Couples?

Nags Head
Austin

With fun activities for couples, both Nags Head and Austin make for a good place to visit.

Nags Head is a nice destination for couples. There are great seafood restaurants and a number of activities in the area that are fun for couples.

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 Nags Head or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nags Head is not as popular, but is still a nice for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Nags Head is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. This is one of the more affordable places to stay in the Outer Banks, so it appeals to more budget-oriented travelers.

Is Nags Head or Austin Better for Students?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Nags Head is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Nags Head is not popular with students.


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

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Nags Head does not have 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.

Nags Head does not have public transit.

Is Nags Head or Austin a more walkable city?

Nags Head
Austin

Austin is adequate for its walkability. However, Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

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.

Nags Head is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Nags Head?

How long in Nags Head or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nags Head and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nags Head than in Austin. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Nags Head, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Nags Head. 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Austin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nags Head 4-7 
    Austin 2-3

One day in Nags Head or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. 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 Nags Head or Austin?

Nags Head 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.

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 Nags Head or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nags Head. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Nags Head or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Nags Head. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Nags Head?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nags Head is $149, 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 Nags Head and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nags Head $80
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nags Head $160
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Nags Head and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Nags Head 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 Nags Head


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: Nags Head Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nags Head $40
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Nags Head or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Nags Head 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
    Nags Head $41
    Austin $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
  • Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
  • 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
  • Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nags Head $14
    Austin $28

Tours and Activities in Nags Head

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nags Head.

  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $12
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes: Self-Guided Driving Tour: $13
  • Outer Banks Audio Driving Tour: $13
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Wright Brothers Carolina Dunes Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Outer Banks Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $25
  • OBX Ghost Tours: $25
  • Manteo Historic Walking Tour: $28
  • Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour: $49
  • 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD Truck: $57
  • Cape Hatteras Kayak Adventure in Rodanthe: $59
  • Alligator River Kayak Adventure: $59

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 Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
  • 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
  • Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nags Head $12
    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
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
  • Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
  • Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
  • From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $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
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


When comparing the travel costs between Nags Head and Austin, we can see that Nags Head 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 Nags Head Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nags Head or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Nags Head. When comparing the sizes of Nags Head 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 Nags Head 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 Nags Head or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nags Head as well as Austin. Many travelers come to Nags Head for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nags Head is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 78°F (26°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nags Head this time of the year. In the summer, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Austin. Nags Head gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Nags Head receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nags Head usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Nags Head 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
    Nags Head 78°F (26°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Nags Head are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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.

In the autumn, Nags Head is cooler than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nags Head in October average around 62°F (16°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Nags Head gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nags Head usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Nags Head gets 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nags Head 62°F (16°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Nags Head during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nags Head for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nags Head can be very cold during winter. In January, Nags Head is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Nags Head average around 41°F (5°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Nags Head often gets less sunshine than Austin. Nags Head gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nags Head. Nags Head usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Nags Head gets 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nags Head 41°F (5°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Nags Head or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nags Head and Austin. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Nags Head is cooler than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Nags Head averages around 59°F (15°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Nags Head, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nags Head usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Nags Head gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nags Head usually receives less rain than Austin. Nags Head gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nags Head 59°F (15°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Nags Head

Nags Head Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 41°F (5°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 42°F (6°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 50°F (10°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 67°F (19°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 78°F (26°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 78°F (25°C) 5 inches (127 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 72°F (22°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 62°F (16°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 53°F (12°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 45°F (7°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)