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

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Should you visit Orlando or Austin?

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

Should I visit Orlando 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.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for shopping, theater, and nightlife.

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.

How is Orlando different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Orlando or Austin better for Food?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine in both Orlando and Austin.

The food selection is excellent in Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. Restaurants can be challenging though, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Known for it's food 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 Orlando or Austin better for Nightlife?

The nightlife vibe is much better in Austin than Orlando.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Orlando has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Orlando or Austin better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Orlando and Austin both offer plenty of spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Orlando or Austin better for Families?

There's generally more to do with your family in Orlando than Austin.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. 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 Orlando or Austin better for Couples?

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

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe.


Is Orlando or Austin better for Public Transit?

Orlando and Austin both offer public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Austin.

Is Orlando or Austin a more walkable city?

Orlando and Austin are similar when it comes to walkability.

Orlando is not a very walkable city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Orlando and Austin: Pros and Cons

Orlando
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
Austin
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less family-friendly


Should I spend more time in Austin or Orlando?

How long in Orlando or Austin?

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

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


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

One day in Orlando or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. 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, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Orlando or Austin?

Orlando 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.

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.


Five days in Orlando or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Orlando or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the family-friendly destination of Orlando. This 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Which city is cheaper, Austin or Orlando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orlando is $240, 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 Orlando and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orlando $112
    Austin $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orlando $224
    Austin $90

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orlando $48
    Austin $38
Typical Local Transportation prices in Orlando

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


  • Parking
    $14
  • Taxi Ride
    $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Busch Gardens Shuttle Transfer: $299
  • Car Service Orlando International Airport Transfer To/From Hotel - One-Way: $128
  • Cruise Port of Orlando to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • Departure Private Transfer Orlando to Port Canaveral by Minibus: $186
  • Departure Private Transfer Orlando to Port Canaveral by SUV: $150
  • Disney World Resort to Cruise Port Canaveral. Private Transfer Up to 10 pax: $128
  • Disney World Resort to Cruise Port Canaveral. Private Transfer Up to 4 pax: $112
  • Disney World Resort to Orlando Airport MCO. Private Transfer Up to 10 pax: $58
  • Disney World Resort to Orlando Airport MCO. Private Transfer Up to 4 pax: $45
  • Disney World or Universal Studios transfer to Orlando Airport MCO up to 4 pax: $45
  • Disney World to Sanford International Airport (SFB) - Departure Private Transfer: $134
  • Disney/West 192 Hotels to Orlando Airport Private Transfer: $133

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Orlando or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Orlando 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
    Orlando $50
    Austin $28
Typical Food prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:


  • Lunch for Two at Epcot
    $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, Orlando: $34
  • Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Dinner and Show Ticket: $50
  • The Rock Dinner Show in Orlando: $51
  • Food Tour of Celebration: $55
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando: $57

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.
    Orlando $163
    Austin $22
Typical Entertainment prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Universal Studios for Two
    $110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

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

  • A Walk Around Lake Eola Audio Tour: $6.65
  • Port Canaveral Cruise shuttles: $15
  • Port Canaveral Cruise shuttles: $15
  • Factory Adventure Tour in Chocolate Kingdom: $18
  • Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens Admission Ticket: $20
  • Orlando Walking Ghost Tour: $20
  • 1-Hour Haunted Walking Tour: $23
  • Titanic - The Artifact Exhibition Ticket: $24
  • Crayola Experience Orlando Ticket: $25
  • Lost Caverns Adventure Golf: $29
  • Skip the Line: Indoor Kart Racing Experience Ticket: $32
  • The Escape Game Epic 60-Minute Adventures: $37

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:

  • 48-Hour Austin Hop-On Hop-Off Blue Line City Tour: $45
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Adventure: $62
  • Austin Capital Photo Tour: $21
  • Austin City Landmarks and Taco Tour by Bike: $97
  • Austin Digital Private Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $11
  • Austin E-Bike Tour: $69
  • Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $71
  • Austin Electric Minibike Adventure Tour: $77
  • Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: $59
  • Austin Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $81
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $33
  • Austin Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orlando $24
    Austin $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

  • Florida Craft Beer & Brewery Tour: $65

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 Orlando and Austin, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Austin.

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Orlando vs. Austin Travel Comparison

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