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

Should you visit Austin or Kamloops?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Kamloops, 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 unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food. See Austin travel costs.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a outdoorsy, nature-filled, and laid-back city. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Kamloops travel costs.

Austin and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Kamloops?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Kamloops. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops attracts visitors for its skiing and hiking. Austin is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital. Kamloops is famous for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Austin different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Austin or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Austin is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Austin is not a skiing destination.

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

Austin is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

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

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Austin or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Is Austin or Kamloops Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Kamloops is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

Kamloops is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

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

Kamloops has hiking trails worth exploring. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

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 Austin or Kamloops?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kamloops 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 Kamloops. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is Austin or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Kamloops Better for Families?

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

Kamloops is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

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 Austin or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Austin and Kamloops 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.

Kamloops makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Austin or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

Is Austin or Kamloops Better for Students?

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

Kamloops is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Austin and Kamloops.

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 mostly limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Austin or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Austin and Kamloops 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.

Kamloops is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Austin?

How long in Austin or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Austin or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Austin than Kamloops 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 Kamloops.

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Kamloops. 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 Kamloops 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 Kamloops?

The city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Austin or Kamloops?

Austin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Austin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kamloops 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 Kamloops?

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Austin is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Kamloops. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Kamloops, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin than you might in Kamloops.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Kamloops?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Kamloops, 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 Austin or Kamloops?

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 Austin or Kamloops in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Austin is a little warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Kamloops averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Austin usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers 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. Also, many visitors come to Kamloops in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Austin is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Austin usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Austin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kamloops for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kamloops can be very cold during winter. Austin is much warmer than Kamloops in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Kamloops fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Austin usually gets more rain in January than Kamloops. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Kamloops in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Austin is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Kamloops averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Austin usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Austin