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

Should you visit Tampa or Austin?

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

Should I visit Tampa 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.

Tampa

Tampa is a low-key, laid-back, and easy-going city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food and beaches.

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 food, shopping, and museums.

Tampa and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Tampa. Austin is bigger than Tampa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Austin is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Tampa is well known for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tampa 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

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Tampa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Tampa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Tampa is lacking in options for 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.

Tampa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a live music destination.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tampa has a few snorkeling spots. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tampa. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Austin?

Austin is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Austin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Families?

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

Tampa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

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 Tampa or Austin Better for Couples?

Austin is a popular place for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tampa 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.

Tampa is not popular with students.

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

Austin is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Austin a more walkable city?

Tampa and Austin are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

Austin is generally not very walkable. 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 Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tampa and Austin. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Austin than Tampa. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Tampa. 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 live music and food that this unconventional 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 Tampa or Austin?

Tampa 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 Tampa or Austin?

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

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 Tampa or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the easy-going destination of Tampa. This city 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.

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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tampa. When comparing the sizes of Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Tampa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tampa for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, 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.

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

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Austin. Tampa gets 265 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 Tampa. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Austin. Many visitors come to Tampa in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. 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 October, Tampa is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 75°F (24°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives less rain than Austin. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tampa or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Tampa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tampa is a little warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Austin. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tampa because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the spring, Tampa is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampa in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Austin. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Tampa