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

Should you visit Boone or Austin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Boone and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Boone

Boone is a quaint, picturesque, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Boone travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Austin travel costs.

Boone and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boone or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Boone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Boone is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Boone is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. 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.

How is Boone different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Boone. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Boone or Austin Better for Skiing?

Boone is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Austin is not a skiing destination.

Boone is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Austin is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boone or Austin?

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

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

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

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

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Boone or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Boone offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Is Boone or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Boone is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Boone is not a live music destination.

Is Boone or Austin Better for Hiking?

Boone 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 Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking 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 Boone or Austin?

Boone is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Boone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

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

Is Boone or Austin More Beautiful?

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

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

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

Is Boone or Austin Better for Families?

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

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

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 Boone or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Boone frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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 Boone or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Is Boone or Austin Better for Students?

Boone is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Boone is a great destination for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. 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.

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

Boone and Austin both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

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.

Is Boone or Austin a more walkable city?

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

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

Austin is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Boone Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Boone?

How long in Boone or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Boone and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Boone than in Austin. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Boone, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

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

Boone 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.

In Austin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this entrepreneurial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Boone or Austin?

Boone 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Boone or Austin?

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

Austin is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Austin. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Boone or Austin?

Boone 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the unconventional destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Boone or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Boone. When comparing the sizes of Boone and Austin, 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.