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

Should you visit Oslo or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oslo 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.

Oslo

Oslo is a clean, progressive, and park-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Austin

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

Oslo and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oslo or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Oslo and Austin are about the same size, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Oslo is known for its big city activities. Oslo is more touristy than Austin and is known for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports. Austin 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.

How is Oslo different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Oslo and Austin have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oslo can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

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 Oslo or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Oslo or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is Oslo or Austin Better for Music?

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

Austin is a world class music destination. 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.

Oslo is not a live music destination.

Is Oslo or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Oslo 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.

Oslo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oslo or Austin?

Austin is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Oslo or Austin Better for Families?

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

Oslo is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

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 Oslo or Austin Better for Couples?

Oslo and Austin are both good to visit as a couple.

Oslo is a nice destination for couples. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

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 Oslo or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Oslo or Austin Better for Students?

Oslo and Austin are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Oslo is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

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

Oslo 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 Oslo can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

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 Oslo or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Oslo is very walkable. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's 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 Oslo Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Oslo?

How long in Oslo or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oslo and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oslo than in Austin. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Oslo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Oslo. 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 Oslo 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 Oslo or Austin?

Oslo is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Oslo or Austin?

Oslo 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.

Austin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Oslo or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oslo. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the entrepreneurial destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Oslo or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the green big city of Oslo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The entrepreneurial city of Austin offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Oslo and Austin, we can see that Austin 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. Even though Oslo is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Oslo or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oslo and Austin. The summer months attract visitors to Oslo 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.

Oslo is much colder than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Oslo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Oslo gets 246 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oslo usually receives more rain than Austin. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oslo or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oslo as well as Austin. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo 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 the autumn, Oslo is much colder than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oslo in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the autumn, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Austin. Oslo gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Oslo gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oslo or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Oslo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oslo 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. In January, Oslo is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Oslo average around -4°C (25°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Oslo usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Oslo gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oslo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Oslo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oslo or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Oslo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Oslo is much colder than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Oslo averages around 6°C (42°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Oslo often gets less sunshine than Austin. Oslo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Oslo usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Oslo gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Oslo