Austin is an entrepreneurial city known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Austin, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Austin?
You should plan to spend around $167 per day on your vacation in Austin. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $60 on meals
- $47 on local transportation
- $113 on hotels
A one week trip to Austin for two people costs, on average, $2,338. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,169
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,338
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One Month
Per person
$5,010
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One Week
For a couple
$2,338
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,676
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One Month
For a couple
$10,020
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Austin cost?
A one week trip to Austin usually costs around $1,169 for one person and $2,338 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Austin on average costs around $2,338 for one person and $4,676 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Austin will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Austin on average costs around $5,010 for one person and $10,020 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Austin expensive to visit?
Austin is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You may find Austin to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $79 per day, mid-range travelers spend $167 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $371 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Austin.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Austin is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Dallas or Valdosta.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Austin Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Austin?
The average Austin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Austin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Austin cost?
Austin on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$26
|
$56
|
$89
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$16
|
$47
|
$162
|
|
Food 2
|
$23
|
$60
|
$158
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$9.85
|
$28
|
$87
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-18
|
$14-42
|
$27-82
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Austin is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $79 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Austin is home to plenty of hostels, including Firehouse Hostel. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities. While food is a highlight for many in Austin, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most people who travel to Austin will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $167 per person, per day.
Austin offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Lone Star Court a Valencia Hotel is an excellent choice, while AT&T Hotel & Conference Center is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Austin.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $371 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Historic Austin Private Pedicab Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Austin
The prices for hotels in Austin can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $147, while during peak summer season, that average price jumps to around $274. With budget accommodations starting at $97 and luxury hotels peaking at $466, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Austin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $113. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $56 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Austin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Austin include:
- Lone Star Court a Valencia Hotel starting at $239
- Hotel Granduca Austin starting at $235
- Fairmont Austin starting at $207
- AT&T Hotel & Conference Center starting at $201
- JW Marriott Austin starting at $294
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Austin
Austin does not has a good public transit system. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.
Unfortunately, most of the city is 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.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $47 per person, per day, on local transportation in Austin. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Austin is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$47
If you're traveling by car, check that your hotel offers convenient parking options.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer for $94 details
- AUS Airport Private Transfer to Austin(downtown) for $70 details
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels for $80 details
How much does it cost to go to Austin? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Austin will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Austin
With its world-class cuisine, Austin is a food lover's paradise. Make it a priority to eat at local restaurants and try their standout dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Austin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Austin is $60 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$60
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Austin is around $60 ($60) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $158. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Austin are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $24
- Dinner: $18 to $42
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Most of the food culture in Austin is based on either Tex Mex or barbecue, both of which are ubiquitous and delicious. Favorite restaurants around town include Franklin Barbecue, Garrido's, and Chuy's Restaurant. If you're looking for other food options however, they may be more difficult to come by. This is particularly if you're looking for ethnic food besides Tex Mex.
Austin is also credited with bringing trailer park eateries into popularity. There are many trailers around town that sell any number of food options from tacos to sushi to snow cones.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Austin. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus! For $125 details
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours for $99 details
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin for $89 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Austin
The allure of Austin is undeniable, especially since it offers food, nightlife, music, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Austin typically cost an average of $28 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
Visiting Austin is more about taking in the city's atmosphere than it is about seeing specific attractions. Make sure you visit some local bars and head to an outdoor festival if there are any while you're in town.
Specific sights in the city include several museums as the University of Texas at Austin such as the Blanton Museum of Art, the Harry Ransom Center, and the Texas Memorial Museum of Science and History. The LBJ Presidential Library also has interesting exhibits as well. Austin is also famous for the beautiful Texas State Capital Building. The building is covered in pink granite and is actually fourteen feet taller than the U.S. Capital Building in Washington DC. The building is open to the public seven days a week.
Many people make a point of seeing the Austin bats while visiting the town. Along Congress Avenue bridge there are more than a million Mexican free-tailed bats that are most active at dusk between the months of March and November.
There are many festivals in Austin throughout the year, but the two largest events are South by Southwest (SXSW) in March and Austin City Limits in October. SXSW has both a film and music component. Austin City Limits is a three day outdoor music festival that brings many people to town.
Other activities around town include swimming in the spring fed pool at Barton Springs in South Austin, seeing a show, or going to a music concert. The area around Austin also has many outdoor activities including swimming, rock climbing and hiking.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Austin are some of the most famous in the world. 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
Music:
The music scene in Austin is popular and draws a crowd. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Austin. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours for $68 details
- Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin with Professional Guide for $39 details
- KuneKune Pig Farm Tour for $25 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Austin, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Austin
The nightlife scene in Austin is world-class, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $28 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Austin per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$28
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Austin. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band for $125 details
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in Austin for $70 details
- Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin for $39 details
Traveling in Austin
Austin, Texas
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
Austin's climate is humid subtropical. The summers are very hot and the winters are mild. Average high temperatures during the summer months often reach into the high 90s and winter lows occasionally fall below freezing. Winter is typically dry and snow is very uncommon.
Neighborhoods & Around
As a tourist, the most interesting part of Austin is the downtown area. This is the central business district and also where you'll find most of the city's live music venues, bars and restaurants. The area around the University of Texas is where you'll find the highest concentration of students. There are also some museums and cheap places to eat. North Central Austin has historic residential neighborhoods and East Austin is a diverse area with a mix of cultures and a vibrant art scene. Most of the city's tech businesses are located in Northwest Austin. South Austin is worth a visitor and you should make a point of visiting South Congress, with its eclectic shopping and eateries.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We love Austin for all the festivals, but this is also when the prices are the highest. If you're not visiting during a major event, you'll have no trouble finding an affordable place to stay.