A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tallahassee vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tallahassee or Austin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tallahassee and Austin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a vibrant, youthful, and lively city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Tallahassee travel costs.

Austin

Austin is a entrepreneurial, eccentric, and unconventional city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. Austin is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Austin travel costs.

Tallahassee and Austin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Tallahassee or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Austin than Tallahassee. Austin is bigger than Tallahassee, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Austin is more touristy than Tallahassee and is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital. Tallahassee is well known for its capital building and many universities.

How is Tallahassee different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallahassee
Austin

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Austin and Tallahassee.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Tallahassee. As the capital city of Florida, you'll find a number of museums around town. Tallahassee Museum has outdoor and indoor space to explore. You can also visit the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Museum of Florida History, or the Florida Historic Capital Museum.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Tallahassee or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tallahassee
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Austin have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Tallahassee offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find plenty of chain restaurants and cheap eateries that cater to the students. The main options are classic American restaurants with a few international restaurants mixed in as well.

Is Tallahassee or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Tallahassee
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Austin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Tallahassee. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the student population. There are many bars and pubs that fill up with students on weekends.

Is Tallahassee or Austin Better for Music?

Tallahassee
Austin

Austin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a live music destination.


Is Tallahassee or Austin Better for Hiking?

Tallahassee
Austin

Austin is adequate for hiking. However, Tallahassee 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.

Tallahassee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallahassee or Austin?

Tallahassee
Austin

If you're looking to go shopping, Tallahassee and Austin both offer plenty of notable spots.

Tallahassee has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There is no shortage of strip malls and shopping centers in the area. Some of the most interesting shopping is found at Railroad Square and Market Square.

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

Is Tallahassee or Austin More Beautiful?

Tallahassee
Austin

Austin is adequate for its scenery and beauty. However, Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Tallahassee is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Tallahassee or Austin Better for Families?

Tallahassee
Austin

Both Tallahassee and Austin are notable to visit with kids.

Tallahassee offers lots of family activities. There are plenty of outdoor parks and adventure activities for kids. You could also see the wild manatees at Wakulla Springs.

Austin is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tallahassee or Austin Better for Couples?

Tallahassee
Austin

Austin is a city with good options for couples. However, Tallahassee is not a good destination for romance.

Austin is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Tallahassee is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Head to a restaurant or bar. You could also check out a concert or explore a garden or park in town.

Is Tallahassee or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallahassee
Austin

Austin is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tallahassee is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tallahassee. The student population creates an environment that is welcoming to backpackers. There's also a hostel in town with affordable rooms.


Is Tallahassee or Austin Better for Students?

Tallahassee
Austin

For students, both Tallahassee and Austin are high quality places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Tallahassee. Both Florida State University and Florida A&M University are located here. There's a large student population with many activities and cheap restaurants that appeal to the student crowd.

Many students visit Austin. 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 Tallahassee or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tallahassee
Austin

Tallahassee and Austin both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Tallahassee. There is a bus system operated by StarMetro.

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.

Is Tallahassee or Austin a more walkable city?

Tallahassee
Austin

Tallahassee and Austin are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Tallahassee is generally not a very walkable city. There are a couple of walkable areas around Railroad Square, Downtown, and Midtown, but for the most part the city is not pedestrian-friendly.

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 Tallahassee Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Tallahassee?

How long in Tallahassee or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallahassee and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Austin than in Tallahassee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Tallahassee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

Families should spend more time in Austin than Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee. 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 Tallahassee 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.


  • How many days in Tallahassee or Austin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tallahassee 1-2 
    Austin 2-3

One day in Tallahassee or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Tallahassee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the entrepreneurial city of Austin. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Tallahassee or Austin?

Tallahassee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Tallahassee or Austin?

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

The lively city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Tallahassee or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Tallahassee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Austin or Tallahassee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tallahassee Prices
    USA Prices
    Austin Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tallahassee $190
    Austin $167

The average daily cost (per person) in Tallahassee is $190, while the average daily cost in Austin is $167. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tallahassee and Austin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tallahassee $89
    Austin $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tallahassee $178
    Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Tallahassee and Austin

Looking for a hotel in Tallahassee or Austin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Tallahassee


Hotels in Austin


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tallahassee Hotel Prices and Austin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tallahassee $33
    Austin $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
  • Austin Texas Airport Transfer Premium Black SUV: $189
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Vehicle to and/or from AUS Airport: $125
  • Austin City to Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $121
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer Services in Austin: $115
  • Private Transfer Austin Airport AUS to Austin City: $100
  • Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
  • AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown): $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Tallahassee or Austin?

Prices for flights to both Austin and Tallahassee change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tallahassee $82
    Austin $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.

  • Sushi Making Cooking Class in a Sake Bar in Austin: $75
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room: $75
  • Austin Street Art and Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $85
  • Street Art and Street Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Food Tour with BBQ Brisket, Breakfast Tacos & 6 Tastings: $99
  • Austin South Congress Food Tour with 6 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets: $99
  • Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group): $99
  • Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Local Flavors: $104
  • South Congress District Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $115
  • Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tallahassee $12
    Austin $28

Tours and Activities in Tallahassee

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tallahassee.

  • Treacherous Tallahassee Ghost Tours: $24
  • Luxury Picnic Experience at Pedrick Pond Park: $108
  • Experience Tranquility with a Picnic at Pedrick Pond Park: $120
  • Tallahassee Tranquility: A Scenic Walking Tour: $215

Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin

Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Austin Duck Tour
    $31

Tours and Activities in Austin

Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Africa Hologram Adventure at Zoocade: $27
  • Austin's Best Speakeasies 3-Hour Guided Tour: $50
  • 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
  • 1 Hour Private Electric Duffy Cruise on Lake Austin: $200
  • 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket!: $22
  • Austin 3-Hour Local Splash Pad Tour on an E-Bike: $89
  • Austin : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $161
  • Austin Aquarium Entry Ticket: $31
  • Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Art and Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
  • Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $85
  • Austin City Limits Guided Backstage Tour at The Moody Theater: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tallahassee $53
    Austin $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Tallahassee

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tallahassee:

  • Tallahassee Bar Crawl: $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Sixth Street Spree Austin Bar Crawl: $12
  • Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Lost Legends of Texas Pub Crawl in Austin: $35
  • Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
  • Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group: $43
  • Austin Bar Crawl: Austin's 6th Street Bar Crawl: $43
  • Public Party Bike Pub Crawl Tour in Austin: $54
  • East Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab: $65
  • Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
  • At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin: $75


When comparing the travel costs between Tallahassee and Austin, we can see that Tallahassee is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tallahassee Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tallahassee or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tallahassee. When comparing the sizes of Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee or Austin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallahassee as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Tallahassee for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallahassee in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Austin averages at about 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 Tallahassee this time of the year. In the summer, Tallahassee often gets less sunshine than Austin. Tallahassee gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tallahassee usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Tallahassee gets 8.9 inches (227 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tallahassee 82°F (28°C) 
    Austin 87°F (30°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Tallahassee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallahassee because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In October, Tallahassee is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Tallahassee average around 69°F (20°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallahassee. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Austin during autumn. Tallahassee gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallahassee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Austin. Tallahassee gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Tallahassee.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tallahassee 69°F (20°C) 
    Austin 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Tallahassee during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallahassee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tallahassee is around the same temperature as Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallahassee averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Tallahassee often gets more sunshine than Austin. Tallahassee gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Tallahassee usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Tallahassee gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tallahassee 51°F (11°C) 
    Austin 51°F (11°C)

Should I visit Tallahassee or Austin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallahassee and Austin. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Tallahassee, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tallahassee usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Tallahassee gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tallahassee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tallahassee usually receives more rain than Austin. Tallahassee gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Tallahassee is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tallahassee 67°F (19°C) 
    Austin 71°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Austin and Tallahassee

Tallahassee Austin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 51°F (11°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm) 51°F (11°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.9 inches (151 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Apr 67°F (19°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 77°F (25°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.6 inches (168 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 8.9 inches (227 mm) 87°F (30°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 6.9 inches (175 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)
Sep 78°F (26°C) 6.7 inches (169 mm) 82°F (28°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Oct 69°F (20°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 60°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.2 inches (56 mm)