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

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Austin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a historic, notable, and colonial city. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Saint Augustine travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's also a big city with many activities. Austin is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music. See Austin travel costs.

Saint Augustine and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Saint Augustine and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Saint Augustine is known for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is more touristy than Austin and is known for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. 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 Saint Augustine different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Austin?

Both Saint Augustine and Austin have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Saint Augustine can be an interesting and educational experience. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

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

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

Austin is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint Augustine has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Is Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Augustine has a few options to choose from. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

Is Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for live music. However, Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. 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.

Saint Augustine is not a live music destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Augustine. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Saint Augustine is revered around the world. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Austin?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Saint Augustine is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la Constitución is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Saint Augustine or Austin More Beautiful?

Saint Augustine is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its scenery and beauty.

Saint Augustine is a gorgeous place to visit. Colonial architecture and a charming atmosphere give this historic town a unique beauty.

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

Is Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Families?

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

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

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 Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Saint Augustine frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.

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 Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a great destination for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a great destination for students. However, Saint Augustine 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.

Saint Augustine is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Austin.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

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 Saint Augustine or Austin a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Saint Augustine is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

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 Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint Augustine and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint Augustine than in Austin. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint Augustine that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The lively destination of Austin offers live music and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Austin?

Saint Augustine 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.

The city of Austin offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Austin is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Saint Augustine or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the notable destination of Saint Augustine. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Austin. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saint Augustine. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine 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 Saint Augustine or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Saint Augustine are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Augustine because of the beaches 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.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Saint Augustine gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Saint Augustine. In July, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Austin. Saint Augustine gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Saint Augustine during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Augustine 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, Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Augustine in October average around 70°F (21°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

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

Saint Augustine usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Austin. Saint Augustine gets 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Augustine is June to November.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Augustine and Austin. Many travelers come to Saint Augustine for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Saint Augustine is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Saint Augustine average around 53°F (12°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Saint Augustine usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Saint Augustine gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Augustine usually receives more rain than Austin. Saint Augustine gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Augustine or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Augustine as well as Austin. Many visitors come to Saint Augustine in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Augustine is around the same temperature as Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Augustine averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 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 Saint Augustine this time of the year. In the spring, Saint Augustine often gets more sunshine than Austin. Saint Augustine gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Saint Augustine usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Saint Augustine gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Augustine.

Typical Weather for Austin and Saint Augustine