A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Marathon vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Marathon or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marathon or Austin, 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a beautiful, relaxing, and quaint island. Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Marathon travel costs.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Marathon and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marathon or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Marathon and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Marathon is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Marathon different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Austin is great for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not a live music destination.

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Resorts?

Marathon is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Marathon is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Beaches?

Marathon is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Marathon. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Marathon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marathon or Austin?

Austin is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marathon or Austin More Beautiful?

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

Marathon is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

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

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Families?

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

Marathon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Marathon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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 Marathon or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Marathon or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Marathon 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.

Marathon is not popular with students.

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

Austin is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Marathon or Austin a more walkable city?

Marathon and Austin are decent when it comes to walkability.

Marathon is generally not a very walkable island. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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 Marathon Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Marathon?

How long in Marathon or Austin?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Marathon. 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.

The city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marathon or Austin?

Marathon 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 that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Austin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marathon or Austin?

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

Austin is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marathon or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Marathon. This island 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

Which is Bigger, Marathon or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Marathon or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marathon as well as Austin. The summer months attract visitors to Marathon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Marathon is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marathon this time of the year. In the summer, Marathon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Marathon gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Marathon gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Marathon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marathon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marathon is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marathon in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marathon. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. Marathon gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Marathon. In October, Marathon usually receives more rain than Austin. Marathon gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marathon or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Marathon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marathon for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marathon is generally much warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Marathon average around 70°F (21°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Marathon. In the winter, Marathon often gets more sunshine than Austin. Marathon gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Marathon usually gets less rain in January than Austin. Marathon gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marathon or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marathon and Austin. Many visitors come to Marathon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Marathon is a little warmer than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Marathon averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Marathon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marathon usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Marathon gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marathon usually receives less rain than Austin. Marathon gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Marathon