Which place is cheaper, South Lake Tahoe or Austin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or South Lake Tahoe, 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 is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively 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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.
South Lake Tahoe is a scenic, breathtaking, and idyllic town. The famous beauty of South Lake Tahoe is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See South Lake Tahoe travel costs.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Austin. Although Austin and South Lake Tahoe are popular destinations, Austin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Austin is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, and big city activities, while South Lake Tahoe attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. South Lake Tahoe is more touristy than Austin and is known for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. 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.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between South Lake Tahoe and Austin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
South Lake Tahoe is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Austin is not a skiing destination.
South Lake Tahoe is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.
Austin is not a skiing destination.
Austin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for its museums and history.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. 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
While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.
Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.
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.
South Lake Tahoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.
It's hard to distinguish whether Austin or South Lake Tahoe has a better nightlife scene.
People head to Austin just to party. 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.
The nightlife in South Lake Tahoe is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.
Austin is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, South Lake Tahoe 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.
South Lake Tahoe is not a live music destination.
South Lake Tahoe is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.
South Lake Tahoe is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.
Austin is not a resort destination.
South Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for hiking.
Known for its hiking, South Lake Tahoe draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.
Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.
Shopping is a popular activity in both South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.
South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe is one of the main draws. The pristine lake and striking natural beauty can be appreciated any time of the year.
Austin is beautiful destination to visit. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.
South Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
South Lake Tahoe is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.
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.
South Lake Tahoe is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.
South Lake Tahoe has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.
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.
Austin is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, South Lake Tahoe is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.
South Lake Tahoe is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts the backpacker crowd.
Austin is a well-known place for students. However, South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.
Austin is a great city to visit as a student. 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.
South Lake Tahoe is not popular with students.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Austin and South Lake Tahoe.
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 South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.
South Lake Tahoe is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.
South Lake Tahoe is very walkable. Once you get to town, the area is very 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 South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?.
In either Austin or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.
Families should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Austin. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in South Lake Tahoe, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in South Lake Tahoe that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than South Lake Tahoe 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.
You'll find food and shopping around the eccentric destination of Austin. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of South Lake Tahoe. 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.
You'll find shopping and museums around the entrepreneurial city of Austin. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.
South Lake Tahoe is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Austin is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in South Lake Tahoe. 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.
Austin is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of South Lake Tahoe. 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $167, while the average daily cost in South Lake Tahoe is $146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Austin and South Lake Tahoe in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Austin or South Lake Tahoe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
Prices for flights to both South Lake Tahoe and Austin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in South Lake Tahoe.
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
Also in South Lake Tahoe, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Austin and South Lake Tahoe, we can see that Austin 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 South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.
Austin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of South Lake Tahoe. When comparing the sizes of Austin and South Lake Tahoe, 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.