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

Should you visit Austin or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Calgary, 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.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Austin travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a western, local, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Calgary travel costs.

Austin and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Calgary?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Austin than Calgary. While Calgary is larger than Austin, Austin has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calgary is more touristy than Austin and is known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Austin is famous for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital.

How is Austin different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.

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

Austin is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Austin or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Austin or Calgary Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Calgary is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin 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.

Calgary is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Calgary Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Calgary is not a hiking destination.

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

Calgary is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Calgary?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Calgary and Austin.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Calgary. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Austin or Calgary More Beautiful?

Austin is a city with a few options for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Calgary Better for Families?

Austin and Calgary are both nice destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Austin or Calgary Better for Couples?

Austin and Calgary are both nice to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Calgary makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.

Is Austin or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Austin or Calgary Better for Students?

Austin is well known for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

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.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Calgary 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 Calgary, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.

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 Austin or Calgary a more walkable city?

Austin and Calgary both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

For even more information, also check out Is Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Austin?

How long in Austin or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Austin or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Austin than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

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

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

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

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Calgary. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Austin or Calgary?

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.

Calgary 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.

Five days in Austin or Calgary?

Austin is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Austin or Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the western destination of Calgary. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Calgary, we can see that Calgary 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Calgary?

Calgary has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Calgary, 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.