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

Should you visit Osaka or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Osaka or Austin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Osaka

Osaka is a vibrant, cultural, and high energy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Osaka and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Osaka or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Osaka than Austin. Osaka is bigger than Austin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Osaka is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Austin is more popular for its music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Osaka is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its diverse street food, eclectic shopping and its economic roots as a port city. Also, Osaka is famous for Osaka Castle. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Osaka different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Osaka is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Osaka that are not to be missed. The city is filled with impressive sights that are both old and new. A highlight is a visit to Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 1500s. The city's most well known temple is Shitennō-ji Temple and the Kobe Port Tower is another recognizable sight. Other highlights include the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and the National Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. 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 Osaka or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Osaka and Austin both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Osaka is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's one of the top culinary cities in Japan, and you'll find both local and regional dishes throughout. Street food is famous here, but there are also award winning restaurants and small traditional venues. Sushi and sashimi is a favorite, and it's focused simple and high quality ingredients. You'll find some great sushi restaurants around Kuromon Ichiba Market. Another unique experience is to visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Land lovers should try the Yakiniku and Horumon, which is Japanese barbecue. And, of course, there's the ramen. Don't miss the ramen!

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Osaka or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Both Osaka and Austin have amazing vibes after the sun sets.

People head to Osaka just to party. The city really comes to life after the sun sets. The buildings light up and the energy is palpable. In addition to the many world class restaurants, there are countless bars, pubs and izakaya, which are Japanese-style bars. Beer is popular, with many internationally recognized brands available. The most popular nightlife area is Dotonbori, which is along the Dotonbori River.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Osaka or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Osaka is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Osaka is not a live music destination.

Is Osaka or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Osaka is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Osaka to see the historical old town. If you want to step back in time, head to Shinsekai, which holds tight to its traditional street life scene. There are old-school arcades, traditional shops, and local street food to sample.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Osaka or Austin Better for Hiking?

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

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Osaka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Osaka or Austin?

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

Osaka is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is everything from grand shopping malls to specialty boutique shops that sell antiques or local trinkets. Umeda Shopping Arcade is a large mall that has everything. For international brands, head to America Mura, which is where many of the younger Japanese hang out. Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a favorite shopping street in the city and also not-to-be-missed.

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

Is Osaka or Austin Better for Families?

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

Osaka is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the view from the observatory of the Umeda Sky Building or taking a ride on the HEP Five Ferris Wheel. There is also the Kids Plaza Osaka as well as arcades along Tenjinbashi suji Shopping Street. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Osaka Castle and museum lovers will also appreciate visiting the Osaka Science Museum or the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living.

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 Osaka or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Osaka frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's atmosphere is filled with an energy that couples will enjoy. You can take a walk along the Tombori Riverwalk. For a touch of nature, head to Minoh Park and check out Minoh Falls, or for a relaxing experience, visit the hot springs at Solaniwa Onsen. Other fun activities include taking a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel or sampling the city's famous street food.

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 Osaka or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Osaka and Austin are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Osaka. There are plenty of hostels around town and street food is an affordable and fun way to enjoy the city's culinary scene.

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.

Is Osaka or Austin Better for Students?

Both Osaka and Austin are superb destinations for students.

Osaka is a great city to visit as a student. There's a colorful energy and a lively atmosphere that appeals to students. The city is also the second largest economic center in the country.

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

Osaka is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Osaka can get you around easily. The best way to get around town is by subway or train. The main tourist areas are located along the Midosuji subway line, which runs north to south.

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 Osaka or Austin a more walkable city?

Osaka is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Osaka is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are fun to explore on foot.

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 Osaka Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Osaka?

How long in Osaka or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Osaka than Austin 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 Osaka.

One day in Osaka or Austin?

Osaka is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 eccentric 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 Osaka or Austin?

Osaka 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.

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 Osaka or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Osaka. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Osaka or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant big city of Osaka. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, 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 Osaka and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Osaka is in Asia 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 Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin than you might in Osaka.

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

Which is Bigger, Osaka or Austin?

Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Osaka 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 Osaka 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 Osaka or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Osaka during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the summer, Osaka is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Osaka in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Austin. Osaka gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. Osaka usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Osaka gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Osaka and Austin. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year. Also, many travelers 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.

In October, Osaka is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Osaka average around 19°C (66°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Osaka gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Osaka usually receives more rain than Austin. Osaka gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Osaka or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Osaka as well as Austin. Many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Osaka is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Osaka averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Osaka often gets less sunshine than Austin. Osaka gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Osaka usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Austin. Osaka gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Osaka or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Osaka are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Osaka is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Osaka in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Osaka usually receives less sunshine than Austin during spring. Osaka gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Osaka. In April, Osaka usually receives more rain than Austin. Osaka gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Osaka