Is Austin Expensive?

Is Austin expensive to visit?

Austin is a moderately priced destination with an average daily cost of $167. Compared to the rest of North America, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of cities in North America for its travel costs, comparable to places like Dallas and Valdosta.



Austin, Texas

How expensive is Austin?

The average cost of traveling to Austin can vary widely based on many factors, but our calculations based on previous travlers show that the average daily cost is $167 (U.S. Dollars). Your travel style, accommodation preferences, dining choices, and trip duration can alter your individual budget, as you can find a wide array of accommodation, food, and entertainment options available for your visit. Sticking to mid-range hotels, affordable restaurants, and public transit when available can keep your costs close to this calculated average. See more travel costs for Austin here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Austin?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a weekend trip to Austin will cost around $502 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a weekend trip would cost $1,004.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Austin?

On average, a one week trip to Austin costs about $1,171 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one week trip costs $2,343.

Is it expensive to backpack in Austin?

Austin is a fairly common backpacker destination with more than 3 hostels in the area. Dorm beds in hostels average about $43 per night. (See hostel prices in Austin here.) Keep in mind that you'll find a wide range in prices here, too. The most expensive beds are priced around $75 and the cheapest around $25 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Austin.

  • $29 for a dorm bed at Firehouse Hostel
  • $75 for a dorm bed at Mixed Gender Shared Room - CoLiving Condo

Are hotels expensive in Austin?

Hotel prices in Austin are somewhat more affordable compared to hotels in other cities. You can expect to spend about $147 per night for a room on average. There are around 3 five star hotels in the city and they average $404 per night. Three star hotels average $228 a night and two star hotels average $102 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Austin
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 3 $404
4 stars 28 $261
3 stars 81 $228
2 stars 76 $102
1 star 1 $65
No rating 4 $729

10901 Domain Drive, Austin
Overall Rating 9.0
320 S Capital Of Texas Hwy Bldg B, Austin
Overall Rating 9.0

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Austin?

Activities and things to do in Austin can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $28 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is less than the country's average of $56.


Name Price
Zilker Metropolitan Park Free
Barton Springs Pool $5
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum $13
Congress Avenue Bridge Bats Free
Lady Bird Lake Free
Mount Bonnell Free
Texas State Capitol Free
South Congress Avenue Free
Circuit of the Americas $70
Rainey Street Historic District Free
Austin Bouldering Project $20
LBJ Presidential Library $10
Mexic-Arte Museum $5
Cathedral of Junk Free
Blanton Museum of Art $12
The Contemporary Austin $15

  • Austin’s Haunted Ghost & Murder Tour: $30
  • Kayak or Paddle Board Sunset Bat Tour : $45
  • Austin Private Tours – Landmarks & Local Highlights: $70
  • Evening Bat Watching Kayak Tour: $49
  • Lake Austin Sunset Boat Cruise BYOB 2 hr (Public-Single Tickets): $86
  • KuneKune Pig Farm Tour: $25
  • Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour: $55
  • Austin's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Audio App Walking Tour : $9.75

Is food expensive in Austin?

Food in Austin can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $60 on food per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $96. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

  • Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Austin South Congress Food Tour +6 Tastings, Local BBQ & Sweets: $99
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Austin: $75
  • Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Tap Room in Austin: $75
  • Austin: Street Art and Street Food Tour: $85
  • Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour: $129

Is transportation expensive in Austin?

Local transportation in Austin can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $47 on local transportation per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $46. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for Austin

If you're planning a trip to Austin, Texas, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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