A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Ocean City vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Ocean City or Austin?

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

Should I visit Ocean City or Austin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a active, energetic, and fun-filled city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Ocean City travel costs.

Austin

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

Ocean City and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ocean City or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Ocean City, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ocean City is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Ocean City is more touristy than Austin and is known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. 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 Ocean City different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ocean City or Austin?

Austin is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Ocean City is not a good city for its museums and history.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

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

Austin is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ocean City. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Is Ocean City or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ocean City is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Austin just to party. 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.

Ocean City has a large number of nightlife venues. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Is Ocean City or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a live music destination.

Is Ocean City or Austin Better for Resorts?

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

Ocean City is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Ocean City or Austin Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Ocean City. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Ocean City or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ocean City or Austin?

Austin is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Ocean City is not a good city for shopping.

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

Ocean City is a good destination for shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Is Ocean City or Austin More Beautiful?

Austin is a moderate city for its scenery and beauty. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ocean City or Austin Better for Families?

Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Ocean City or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ocean City frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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 Ocean City or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Ocean City is not a good city 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.

Ocean City is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in the area, but there are some affordable motels if you look beyond the beachfront properties.

Is Ocean City or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a well-known place for students. However, Ocean City is not popular with students.

Austin is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Ocean City is not popular with students.

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

Both Ocean City and Austin offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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.

Is Ocean City or Austin a more walkable city?

Ocean City and Austin both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Ocean City is generally not very walkable. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

Austin is generally not a very walkable 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 Ocean City Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Ocean City?

How long in Ocean City or Austin?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ocean City. 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.

With live music and food around the eccentric city of Austin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Ocean City or Austin?

Ocean City 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.

With food and shopping around the destination of Austin, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Ocean City or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ocean City. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Ocean City or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Ocean City. This 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 that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Ocean City or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Ocean City 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 Ocean City 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 Ocean City or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocean City and Austin. Many travelers come to Ocean City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ocean City is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocean City in July average around 77°F (25°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Austin. Ocean City gets 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ocean City or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocean City as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Ocean City in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors 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 during these months.

In October, Ocean City is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Ocean City average around 58°F (14°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Ocean City usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Ocean City gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ocean City or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Ocean City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ocean City for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Austin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ocean City can be very cold during winter. Ocean City is much colder than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocean City averages around 35°F (2°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Ocean City usually receives more rain than Austin. Ocean City gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ocean City or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Ocean City during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In the spring, Ocean City is much colder than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocean City in April average around 54°F (12°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

Ocean City usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Ocean City gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Ocean City