A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Simons vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Saint Simons or Austin?

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

Should I visit Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Austin

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

Saint Simons and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Simons or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Saint Simons and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Saint Simons is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Simons is more touristy than Austin and is known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. 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 Saint Simons different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Simons or Austin?

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

Austin is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint Simons has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Saint Simons or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Saint Simons or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Simons or Austin Better for Resorts?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Saint Simons has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Simons or Austin Better for Beaches?

Saint Simons is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Simons. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Simons or Austin Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Simons or Austin?

Saint Simons is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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

Is Saint Simons or Austin Better for Families?

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

Saint Simons is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

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 Saint Simons or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Simons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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 Saint Simons or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options 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.

Saint Simons is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are campgrounds in the area that offer access to the island.

Is Saint Simons or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not popular with students.

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

Austin is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Saint Simons or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

Austin is generally not a very walkable island. 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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Saint Simons?

How long in Saint Simons or Austin?

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

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

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

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

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 shopping and museums that this lively city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint Simons or Austin?

Saint Simons 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint Simons or Austin?

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the lively destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint Simons or Austin?

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island 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.

Austin is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Simons and Austin, we can see that Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Simons or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint Simons. When comparing the sizes of Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Saint Simons are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and 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.

Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 82°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 Saint Simons. Saint Simons usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Saint Simons gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. In July, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Austin. Saint Simons gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Saint Simons during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Simons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Simons in October average around 70°F (21°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 Saint Simons. In the autumn, Saint Simons often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Saint Simons gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Austin. Saint Simons gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Simons and Austin. Most visitors come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Simons is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Saint Simons average around 53°F (12°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Saint Simons usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Saint Simons gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Simons usually receives more rain than Austin. Saint Simons gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Simons or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Simons as well as Austin. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Saint Simons is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Simons averages around 68°F (20°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 Saint Simons this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Simons often gets more sunshine than Austin. Saint Simons gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Saint Simons usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Saint Simons gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Saint Simons