A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Chimney Rock and Lake Lure vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Austin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a beautiful, peaceful, and active recreation area. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Austin travel costs.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Austin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options


Is there more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is more touristy than Austin and is known for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

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

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Music?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a live music destination.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Austin to go shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin More Beautiful?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a gorgeous place to visit. From the top of Chimney Rock there's an impressive view point. The area is also filled with natural beauty and peaceful settings.

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


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Families?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Couples?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Austin are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Austin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.


Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Students?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not popular with students.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin a more walkable city?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure
Austin

Austin is a city with a few options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable recreation area. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.


For even more information, also check out Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

How long in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.


  • How many days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3 
    Austin 2-3

One day in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Austin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this unconventional destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Austin. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.


A week in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the peaceful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. This recreation area 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the city of Austin. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Prices
    USA Prices
    Austin Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Austin $167

The average daily cost (per person) in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $234, while the average daily cost in Austin is $167. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin? 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.

Hotels in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


Hotels in Austin


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $242
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $91
    Austin $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
  • Street Art and Street Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Austin South Congress Food Tour +6 Tastings, Local BBQ & Sweets: $99
  • Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
  • Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Local Flavors: $104
  • South Congress District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $115
  • Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34
    Austin $28

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Austin's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Audio App Walking Tour : $9.75
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Austin by Wacky Walks: $10
  • Ultimate cat experience at Austin's only cat cafe: $16
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
  • Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
  • Austin Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • KuneKune Pig Farm Tour: $25
  • Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
  • Hauntings, Apparitions & Ashes of Austin Ghost Tour: $27
  • Wonderspaces Interactive Art Exhibition Entry Ticket: $27
  • Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
  • Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
  • Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
  • Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
  • East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
  • At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75
  • Street Art and Brewery Bike Tour: $77
  • 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
  • Brewery Tour with Live Music and Beer Tastings: $130
  • Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175


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


Which is Bigger, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 4090 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.