A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hilton Head Island vs. Austin for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful, resort-filled, and family-friendly coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial 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.

Hilton Head Island and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. 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 Hilton Head Island different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Austin is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hilton Head Island makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for its music scene. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a live music destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Hilton Head Island and Austin.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin More Beautiful?

Hilton Head Island is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

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

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is an amazing family-friendly coastal town to visit. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Hilton Head Island and Austin are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Hilton Head Island is a good coastal town for couples to visit. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options 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.

Hilton Head Island is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. This is a family-focused beach destination with almost no backpackers around.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

Austin is very popular with students. 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.

Hilton Head Island is not popular with students.

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

Austin is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Hilton Head Island or Austin a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island and Austin are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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.

For even more information, also check out Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hilton Head Island and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Austin. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Austin than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Hilton Head Island 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 place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lively city of Austin. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

A week in Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Austin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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.

When is the best time to visit Hilton Head Island or Austin?

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 Hilton Head Island or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Hilton Head Island during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. In the summer, Hilton Head Island often gets less sunshine than Austin. Hilton Head Island gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and Austin. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hilton Head Island usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during autumn. Hilton Head Island gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Austin. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hilton Head Island is cooler than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Hilton Head Island often gets more sunshine than Austin. Hilton Head Island gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Hilton Head Island gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than Austin. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Hilton Head Island