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

Should you visit Austin or Vernon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Vernon, 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. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Vernon travel costs.

Austin and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Austin or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Vernon is more popular for its hiking. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Austin different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Austin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

Austin is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Austin or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

Austin is a must-see 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Austin or Vernon Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for its music scene. However, Vernon is not a live music destination.

In Austin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Vernon is not a live music destination.

Is Austin or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon 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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

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 Vernon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Vernon 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 Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Austin or Vernon More Beautiful?

Austin is a moderate city for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. The city has some nearby natural beauty as well as an eclectic style.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Austin or Vernon Better for Families?

Austin and Vernon are both notable destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Austin. 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.

Vernon offers lots of family activities. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Austin or Vernon Better for Couples?

Austin and Vernon are both notable 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.

Vernon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Austin or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Austin or Vernon Better for Students?

Austin is a well-known place for students. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not popular with students.

Is Austin or Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Austin or Vernon a more walkable city?

Austin and Vernon both are respectable 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.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable city. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Austin?

How long in Austin or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Vernon. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Vernon. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Austin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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

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.

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

A weekend in Austin or Vernon?

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.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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 Vernon?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Vernon. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Austin and Vernon, we can see that Austin is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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

Which is Bigger, Austin or Vernon?

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

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 Vernon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Vernon. The summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

In July, Austin is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 87°F (30°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Austin usually receives more rain than Vernon. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Austin or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Austin as well as Vernon. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Austin is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 73°F (23°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Austin usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Austin or Vernon in the Winter?

Both Vernon and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Vernon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Vernon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Austin is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Austin in January average around 51°F (11°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Austin usually receives more rain than Vernon. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Austin or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Austin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Austin is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 71°F (22°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Austin