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

Should you visit Austin or Sedona?

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

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

Sedona

Sedona is a scenic, striking, and desert town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Sedona is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Sedona travel costs.

Austin and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Sedona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin. Although Austin and Sedona are popular destinations, Austin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Austin is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Sedona attracts visitors for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sedona is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. 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 Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin is great for its historical sights. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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

Austin is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Dining out in Sedona is an experience not to be missed. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Is Austin or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Austin or Sedona Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Sedona Better for Resorts?

Sedona is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Sedona is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Austin or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Sedona is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Sedona to see the historical old town. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Austin or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Sedona is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

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 Sedona?

Sedona is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Sedona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

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

Is Austin or Sedona More Beautiful?

Sedona is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Sedona is one of the main draws. The surrounded countryside is filled with dramatic desert landscapes and striking red cliffs.

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

Is Austin or Sedona Better for Families?

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

Sedona is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

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 Sedona Better for Couples?

Sedona is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Sedona has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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 Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Sedona is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Is Austin or Sedona Better for Students?

Austin is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sedona 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.

Sedona is not popular with students.

Is Austin or Sedona 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 Sedona.

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 Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Austin or Sedona a more walkable city?

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

Sedona is somewhat walkable. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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 Sedona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Austin?

How long in Austin or Sedona?

In either Austin or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona than Austin because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Austin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Sedona?

Austin 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.

Sedona is a great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, 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.

Five days in Austin or Sedona?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sedona. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Austin or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sedona is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Sedona, we can see that Sedona 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 Sedona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sedona 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 Sedona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Austin or Sedona?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Sedona, 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.