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

Should you visit Austin or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Ketchikan, 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 eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Austin travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Austin and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Austin and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Ketchikan is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is more touristy than Austin and is known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. 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 Austin different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Austin is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

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

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.

Many restaurants in Ketchikan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Is Austin or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Austin is renowned for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Austin or Ketchikan Better for Music?

Austin is renowned for live music. However, Ketchikan is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. 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.

Ketchikan is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

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 Ketchikan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Austin or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

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

Ketchikan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

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

Is Austin or Ketchikan Better for Families?

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

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ketchikan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Austin or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Is Austin or Ketchikan Better for Students?

Austin is notable for students. However, Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Austin is very popular with students. 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.

Ketchikan is not popular with students.

Is Austin or Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan.

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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Austin or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Ketchikan is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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 Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Austin?

How long in Austin or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Ketchikan. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

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

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Austin or Ketchikan?

You'll find live music and food around the lively destination of Austin. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ketchikan. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Ketchikan?

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Ketchikan. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Ketchikan?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Ketchikan, 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 Ketchikan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Austin or Ketchikan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Ketchikan. Most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Austin is much warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Ketchikan. The autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Austin usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Ketchikan in the Winter?

Both Ketchikan and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ketchikan. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Ketchikan in the Spring?

Both Ketchikan and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ketchikan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Austin is much warmer than Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Austin usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Austin