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

Should you visit Austin or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Vancouver, 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 also a big city with many activities. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping. See Austin travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Austin and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Vancouver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Austin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vancouver is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is known for its food, nightlife, and music. Vancouver is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley Park. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Austin different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Vancouver that are not to be missed. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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

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

Austin is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Austin or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a world class party destination. 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.

Vancouver has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Austin or Vancouver Better for Music?

Austin is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Vancouver is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

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 Vancouver?

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

Vancouver is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

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

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

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

Is Austin or Vancouver Better for Families?

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

Vancouver is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin and Vancouver are great places 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.

Many backpackers visit Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Austin or Vancouver Better for Students?

Austin and Vancouver are great places to visit for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vancouver can get you around easily. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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 Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Austin?

How long in Austin or Vancouver?

In either Austin or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver than Austin 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 Vancouver.

One day in Austin or Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver 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.

Five days in Austin or Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entrepreneurial 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 Vancouver. 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 Vancouver?

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 scenic big city of Vancouver. This city 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Austin and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Austin or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Austin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Austin is much warmer than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 87°F (30°C) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Austin. In the summer, Austin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vancouver. Austin gets 318 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Austin usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Vancouver. Many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Austin is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Austin in October average around 73°F (23°C), and Vancouver averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Austin gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Austin usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Austin or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Austin as well as Vancouver. Most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vancouver can be very cold. In January, Austin is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 51°F (11°C), and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Austin often gets more sunshine than Vancouver. Austin gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Austin usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Vancouver in the Spring?

Both Vancouver and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Vancouver this time of year.

Austin is much warmer than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 71°F (22°C) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. Austin usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Austin gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Austin usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Austin