A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Washington vs. Austin for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Washington or Austin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Washington and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Washington travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Austin travel costs.

Washington and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Washington or Austin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Washington than Austin. While Austin is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Washington is more popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Austin is known for its nightlife and music. Washington is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also home to The Washington Monument and the White House. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Washington different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Washington 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 Washington that are not to be missed. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Washington or Austin Better for Theater?

Washington is a great destination for theatre. However, Austin is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Washington. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Austin is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Washington and Austin both to be terrific destinations.

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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.

Is Washington or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

People head to Austin just to party. 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.

Washington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Washington or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for live music. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

Austin is known as a music capital 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.

The music scene helps keep Washington active and fun. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Is Washington or Austin Better for Hiking?

You'll find decent hiking in both Washington and Austin.

Washington has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

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 Washington or Austin?

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

Washington is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

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

Is Washington or Austin More Beautiful?

Washington is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

Washington is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is particularly beautiful when it lights up at night or when the Cherry Blossoms are in bloom.

Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Is Washington or Austin Better for Families?

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

Washington is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Washington or Austin Better for Students?

Washington is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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

Washington 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 Washington can get you around easily. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington or Austin a more walkable city?

Washington is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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 Washington Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Washington?

How long in Washington or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Washington and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Austin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Washington, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

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

Washington is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With live music and food around the unconventional city of Austin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Washington or Austin?

Washington 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Austin, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Washington or Austin?

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

Austin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Washington or Austin?

Washington is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Austin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Washington or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Washington as well as Austin. The hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Washington is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 79°F (26°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In the summer, Washington often gets less sunshine than Austin. Washington gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Washington gets 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Washington are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn 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, Washington is cooler than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Washington in October average around 60°F (15°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Washington usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Washington gets 197 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Washington usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Washington gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Washington or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Washington during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Washington is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Washington average around 35°F (1°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Washington often gets less sunshine than Austin. Washington gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Washington usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Washington gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Washington or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Washington and Austin. Most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Washington is much colder than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Washington averages around 56°F (14°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Washington usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Washington gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Washington usually receives less rain than Austin. Washington gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Washington