A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Myrtle Beach vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a busy, jam-packed, and high energy beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and beaches. See Myrtle Beach 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Austin travel costs.

Myrtle Beach and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Myrtle Beach or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Myrtle Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, music, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Myrtle Beach is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and big city activities. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Austin and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. 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 Myrtle Beach different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Myrtle Beach or Austin?

Austin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Myrtle Beach 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

Myrtle Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Myrtle Beach or Austin has a better nightlife scene.

People head to Myrtle Beach just to party. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Resorts?

Myrtle Beach is a beach city with a few options for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Myrtle Beach or Austin?

Austin is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a city with a few options for its scenery and beauty. However, Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Families?

Austin is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Myrtle Beach and Austin are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Myrtle Beach is a good beach city for couples to visit. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

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 Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options 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.

Myrtle Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The nightlife scene brings the young crowd, but this isn't exactly a backpacker destination.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin Better for Students?

Myrtle Beach and Austin are excellent places to visit for students.

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

Austin is a great beach 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.

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

Austin is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city 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 Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Myrtle Beach or Austin a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach and Austin both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

Austin is generally not a very walkable beach city. 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 Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Myrtle Beach?

How long in Myrtle Beach or Austin?

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

Families should spend more time in Austin than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. 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.

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this unconventional city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Myrtle Beach or Austin?

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Myrtle Beach or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the eccentric destination of Austin. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Myrtle Beach or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the high energy destination of Myrtle Beach. This beach city 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 to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Myrtle Beach or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Myrtle Beach. When comparing the sizes of Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach or Austin?

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 Myrtle Beach or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Myrtle Beach is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Myrtle Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Myrtle Beach gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Myrtle Beach. In July, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Austin. Myrtle Beach gets 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Myrtle Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, 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, Myrtle Beach is generally cooler than Austin. Daily temperatures in Myrtle Beach average around 65°F (18°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Myrtle Beach. In the autumn, Myrtle Beach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Austin. Myrtle Beach gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Myrtle Beach gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Myrtle Beach and Austin. Many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Myrtle Beach is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Myrtle Beach averages around 45°F (7°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Myrtle Beach usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Myrtle Beach gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Myrtle Beach usually receives more rain than Austin. Myrtle Beach gets 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Myrtle Beach or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Myrtle Beach as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city 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, Myrtle Beach is cooler than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Myrtle Beach in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Myrtle Beach this time of the year. In the spring, Myrtle Beach often gets more sunshine than Austin. Myrtle Beach gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Myrtle Beach usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Myrtle Beach gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Myrtle Beach