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

Should you visit West Palm Beach or Austin?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Austin

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

West Palm Beach and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin than West Palm Beach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. 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 West Palm Beach different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in West Palm Beach or Austin?

Austin is a great city for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

West Palm Beach offers plenty to do in the evening. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for live music. However, West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a live music destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or Austin?

Austin is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Families?

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

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit West Palm Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

West Palm Beach is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is West Palm Beach or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not popular with students.

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

West Palm Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or Austin a more walkable city?

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

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

Austin is generally not a very walkable beach area. 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. 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.

The lively destination of Austin offers live music and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or Austin?

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Austin offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in West Palm Beach or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in West Palm Beach or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Austin. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of West Palm Beach. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as Austin. Many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°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 West Palm Beach this time of the year. In the summer, West Palm Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. West Palm Beach gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than Austin. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, West Palm Beach is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. West Palm Beach gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than Austin. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to West Palm Beach for 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, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in West Palm Beach. In the winter, West Palm Beach often gets more sunshine than Austin. West Palm Beach gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in January than Austin. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and Austin. The spring months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

West Palm Beach is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°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 West Palm Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. West Palm Beach usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. West Palm Beach gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Austin and West Palm Beach