visit houston or austin

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Texas Austin vs. Houston for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Attractions

• Pros & Cons
• Attractions
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in Austin or Houston?
• Which is Cheaper, Austin or Houston? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Austin or Houston?

• When to Visit Austin or Houston?

Should you visit Austin or Houston?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Austin or Houston, 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.

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Houston is a one-of-a-kind, diverse, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Austin and Houston: Pros and Cons

• Popular museums and historical sights
• Popular for food and cuisine
• Active nightlife
• Good music scene
• Good for hiking
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Big city activities
• Less popular for food
• Less active music scene

Is there more to do in Austin or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Austin. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Houston is very popular for its big city activities, while Austin attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty. Austin is more touristy than Houston and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Austin different from Houston?

Which is better for a holiday.

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

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

Both Austin and Houston have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. 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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Houston. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

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

Austin is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Austin , as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Houston is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

Many people head to Houston for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its music scene.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin 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.

The music scene in Houston is active and vibrant. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Houston is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin . Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Houston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Austin or Houston?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Houston and Austin.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Houston. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Families?

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

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Austin or Houston Better for Couples?

Austin and Houston are both nice to visit as a couple.

Austin is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Houston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. However, Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Houston is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Austin or Houston Better for Students?

Austin is well known for students. Also, Houston is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

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

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Austin or Houston a more walkable city?

Austin and Houston both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

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.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Austin Worth Visiting? and Is Houston Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in Houston or Austin?

How long in austin or houston.

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Austin and Houston. In our opinion, Austin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Austin than Houston . However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Houston 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 Austin or Houston? Ideal Length of Stay Austin 2-3   Houston   2-3

One day in Austin or Houston?

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Houston is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Austin or Houston?

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Austin has to offer.

Houston 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.

Five days in Austin or Houston?

Austin is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Austin or Houston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern big city of Houston. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America , The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America , and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America .

Which place is cheaper, Houston or Austin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Austin Prices USA Prices Houston Prices USA Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Austin $ 142 Houston $ 262

The average daily cost (per person) in Austin is $142, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Austin and Houston in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Austin $ 56 Houston $ 142
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Austin $ 112 Houston $ 284

Compare Hotels in Austin and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Austin or Houston? 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 Austin

Hotels in Houston

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.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Austin $ 47 Houston $ 72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:

• Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
• Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $170
• Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $109
• George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $195
• Houston Airport (HOU) to Galveston Arrival Private Transfer: $170
• Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
• Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $351
• Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $163
• Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
• Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $170
• Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
• Private Departure Transfer to Houston George Bush Airport IAH: $51
• Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Austin or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston and Austin 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 Meals for one day Austin $ 35 Houston $ 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin

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

• East Austin Food Tour: $44
• Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour: $80
• Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
• Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
• Secret Food Tour: $98
• Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
• Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $109
• The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

• Seasonal Pizza From Scratch Experience in Houston: $55
• Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
• Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $72
• The Heights Food Tour in Houston: $76
• Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
• Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
• Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $88
• Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
• East Downtown Food Tour: $90
• Houston Heights Culture and Food Tour: $95

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Austin $ 28 Houston $ 14

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:

• Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Round Rock by Operation City Quest: $10
• Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
• Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
• Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
• Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
• Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
• Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
• Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
• The Downtown Austin Music History Walking Tour: $30
• City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
• Downtown History Walking Tour: $30
• Austin Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $30

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

• Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.35
• Sights of Downtown Houston Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
• Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
• Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
• Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
• Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
• Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
• Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $13
• Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
• Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
• Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
• Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Austin $ 28 Houston $ 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Austin

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:

• Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
• Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
• Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
• Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
• Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
• Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin: $39
• Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $45
• From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
• Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin: $65
• Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
• Metro Rail Brewery Tour Across Austin: $90
• 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
• Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
• 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
• Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71

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

Houston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Austin and Houston, 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 Austin or Houston?

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 Austin or Houston in the Summer?

Both Houston and Austin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Austin is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Austin in July average around 87°F (30°C), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In July, Austin usually receives less rain than Houston. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

• Summer Average Temperatures July Austin 87°F (30°C)   Houston   84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Austin or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Austin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Austin is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Austin average around 73°F (23°C), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Houston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Austin usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Austin gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October Austin 73°F (23°C)   Houston   71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Austin or Houston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Austin and Houston. Most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Austin is around the same temperature as Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Austin averages around 51°F (11°C) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Austin usually receives less rain than Houston. Austin gets 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

• Winter Average Temperatures January Austin 51°F (11°C)   Houston   52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Austin or Houston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Austin as well as Houston. The spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the spring, Austin is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Austin in April average around 71°F (22°C), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Austin usually gets more rain in April than Houston. Austin gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Spring Average Temperatures April Austin 71°F (22°C)   Houston   70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Austin

Related articles for austin, related articles for houston.

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Home » North America » USA » Houston vs Austin: The Ultimate Decision

Houston vs Austin: The Ultimate Decision

Set in the heart of Texas’s wild west, Houston and Austin are two of America’s most quintessentially ‘southern’ cities. They’re known for their incredible southern hospitality, wholesome barbeque-style food, and, of course, musical talents, which make the state of Texas an important location for anyone after a taste of real America.

Houston is famous for its welcoming atmosphere, role in America’s space exploration journey, and affordable cost of living. With a burgeoning energy industry and the resulting spike in the quality of living, Houston is quickly becoming one of the best places to live in Texas!

Austin is the capital city of Texas, most well known for being the live music capital of the world. It’s also home to incredible attractions, world-class museums, and a high quality of living.

Both cities are southern gems with many similarities, yet they are also totally unique, with their own personalities. In this article, I’m going to look at the perks and quirks of both Houston vs Austin.

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Houston vs Austin

Is houston or austin better, visiting houston and austin, faqs about houston vs austin, final thoughts.

Houston and Austin are two of Texas’s most loved cities, with incredible cultural, historic, and outdoor attractions to satisfy all types of travelers.

Houston Summary

• Houston extends around 671 square miles of land, including about 31 square miles of water by Jersey Village and Kingswood. It is the ninth-most expansive city in the USA.
• Most well-known for its southern culture with livestock shows and rodeos, its low cost of living and high quality of life, and science museums, including the Houston Space Center.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William. P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is Houston’s two main airports. The city is also connected to national interstate highways 45, 69, and 10. Amtrak trains service Houston.
• Local public transport is effective and runs extensive routes across the city. Ride and Park services are available for those driving personal vehicles. Rideshare apps and taxis are also popular, although traffic can be heavy.
• Most accommodation is urban in Houston, with all the major hotel groups operating properties downtown. There are many self-catering apartments in high-rise condos and a few hostels for budget travelers. If you venture into the suburbs, you can stay in a cozy guesthouse or family-run bed and breakfast.

Austin Summary

• Austin is the eleventh most populous city in the USA and has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country since 2010. The city comprises over 305 square miles.
• Famous for being the Live Music Capital of the World, its incredible museums and bustling cultural scene, warm weather, and thriving economy.
• Flying into Austin-Bergstrom International , Austin Municipal Airport, and Austin Airport is the quickest way to travel to the city. The national highway 35 runs through the city, and Amtrak trains service Austin.
• Austin is best explored by foot. However, you can get around using the bus and rail. Rideshare apps and taxis are available. Driving is also popular, and parking is available downtown.
• Accommodation is typically found downtown or in the suburbs. Hotel chains and boutique hotels are available in the city, while bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are more common in the suburbs. Airbnb’s and self-catering rentals can be found downtown.

There’s no easy way to choose whether Houston or Austin is better than the other. That being said, if any of these factors relate to you, hopefully, you’ll be able to decide which is best for your particular vacation needs:

For Things to Do

Each city boasts its own array of activities and adventures to suit different types of travelers and vacations.

Young and social travelers prefer visiting Austin , which has a hip and happening atmosphere and college town scene. Whether you choose a nightclub or a house party, there is always something happening in Austin . 

Older party-goers will also appreciate Austin more than Houston. While both cities have an incredible southern music scene, Austin holds the title of the top live music capital in the world, with a live gig or concert happening any given day of the week. Austin is also known for its outdoor music festivals.

Austin is the place to go if you’re looking for an eclectic food scene that blends southern comfort with international cuisine. While Houston is also packed with incredible eateries and restaurants, the scenery and views found in Austin take its dining scene up a notch.

Houston tends to offer more of a family-friendly atmosphere, packed with activities to enjoy with young kids. It’s also one of the more affordable major cities in the USA, making it a budget-friendly destination for families. Spend a day at NASA and other science and technology attractions for a blend of education and fun for the whole family.

On that note, science and technology fans will prefer Houston vs Austin for its incredible museums and space center. It’s also a hotspot for art museums and hosts a bunch of cultural and art festivals throughout the year.

Austin is by far the better option for outdoor lovers who can partake in outdoor activities year-round. There are plenty of hiking trails, cycling routes, waterways, and parks surrounding the city. Check out the Inner Space Caverns, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and Lady Bird Lake for paddleboarding, cave searching, and bike trails.

Winner: Austin

For Budget Travelers

In a national survey, Austin was labeled as the most expensive city in Texas. Of course, it’s all relative, and the city is still much more affordable to travel to than other cities of its size. However, this means that Houston is a cheaper city for budget travelers.  

The average hotel for a couple in Houston costs around $85, while the same will cost you $90 in Austin. You could find a cheap hostel or guest house for as low as $20 in Houston or around $25 in Austin. 

Houston and Austin have decent public transport systems with buses and trains. A bus ride costs $1.25 in both Houston and Austin. Renting a car is ideal and can cost between $50 and $70 daily. The cost of a taxi ride in both cities is significantly more expensive, and if you rely on this mode of transport, you can expect to pay upwards of $38 per day in Houston and Austin.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Houston will cost around $16, while a more expensive restaurant could set you back around $37. In Austin, an affordable meal costs $18, while a more classy restaurant costs $40 per head.

A domestic beer costs the same in Houston and Austin, at around $6 from a neighborhood pub. If you purchase from a grocery store, you could pay as little as $3.50 for one bottle of brand-name beer. Expensive restaurants will charge more.

Winner: Houston

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Where to Stay in Houston: Wanderstay Houston Hostel

Wanderstay Houston Hostel is one of the city’s most affordable and classy hostels. It is located on Chartres Street in central Houston and has cozy and clean communal facilities for guests to enjoy. The hostel offers private rooms, private female dorm rooms, and mixed dormitories.

For Couples

If you’re planning a trip to the south with your romantic partner, Austin has to come out on top as the more romantic city when comparing Houston and Austin. However, some factors make Houston an excellent destination for a romantic trip too.

Austin is the better option for adventurous types. Couples who enjoy spending time outdoors will have plenty to do, from strolling the gorgeous city parks like the Zilker Metropolitan Park to exploring the McKinney Falls State Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt. There are swimming holes, bike tracks, hiking trails, and more in these recreational hubs.

Houston comes out on top for science and technology fans, and couples with an urge to learn about America’s space race journey will be enthralled by the incredible museums in the city.

Foodies will enjoy both cities, no doubt, but might prefer Austin for its incredible multicultural food scene mixed with southern charm. While both cities offer incredible restaurants and eateries for all tastes, Austin’s restaurants tend to have better views, set overlooking the river and parks.

If you’re visiting for a pampering experience, Houston has more to offer in terms of luxurious hotels. Choose from all the leading chain brands, or pick a boutique hotel with a stunning spa and leisure center.

Where to Stay in Austin: Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Set in the heart of Downtown Austin, The Four Seasons Hotel Austin is a gorgeous place to stay if you have the budget for a luxurious romantic trip. It features views of the city and Lady Bird Lake, with rooms decorated using warm contemporary interiors.

For Getting Around

Getting around Houston is pretty simple, with many public transport options connecting the main parts of the city. The city’s local transport network is called METRO, which operates a light rail system and bus routes between downtown and the Houston suburbs. 

The city has thousands of cabs in its fleet, which are easy to hail and can transport you from door-to-door wherever you may please. Cabs are obviously more expensive than public transport, and they are also more affected by traffic jams. However, you won’t need to worry about parking or bus schedules.

The Wave is a service that shuttles people around Houston’s nightlife centers, including Downtown, Uptown, Rice Village, and Washington Avenue. They have designated pick-up zones and are a great safe way to get around on a night out.

Austin is best explored by bus or rail, which is also the most affordable way to travel across the city. Capital Metro runs the city’s transport, connecting Austin’s suburbs to downtown in a short time.

Carpooling, van-pooling, and using ride-share apps are also super common. Traffic is less intense in Austin vs Houston, which makes the cab options a good call.

Renting a car is advised for longer trips in both Houston and Austin. The cities have great road networks, and parking is abundant and affordable compared with other big cities. Houston and Austin are also connected with other major cities via national highways, which makes day-tripping and road-tripping in Texas possible.

For a Weekend Trip

Although the city is bigger, Houston is a great place to visit for a short weekend trip. While you certainly won’t get to see all the ins and outs of the city, three days is enough time to explore the city center and the top museums and get a good feel for the city atmosphere and local life.

Houston is also a more accessible city to navigate quickly and easily. For a weekend trip, take advantage of public transport to get around the city. When you need to travel far, cabs are an excellent option for door-to-door transfers, but there is no need to rent a car for a short visit to the city.

Kick off your weekend exploring downtown Houston with soul food at The Breakfast Klub before enjoying some sunshine at Buffalo Bayou Park. Watch the sunset over the city skyline from Sabine Street Bridge before heading out to a vibrant bar for a live music gig.

You can’t visit Houston without a visit to the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, which is a great way to learn about space exploration and America’s space race. Here, you can walk into the world’s only replica space shuttle mounted onto a space carrier aircraft.

You might even fit in a ride on the Kemah Wheel, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and scrounge through vintage western treasures in the trendy Montrose neighborhood. Pick and choose what interests you most and plan out a day-by-day itinerary for your weekend in Houston.

For a Week-Long Trip

For a week-long trip, there is more to do in Austin over Houston to keep you busy all week. A week still isn’t an exceptionally long time to get to know a major city, so I recommend spending more time in a smaller place to get to grips with the ins and outs of life in Austin. On top of this, there are tons of day trips to take around the city, as well as adventurous parks and greenbelts to explore on the fringes of Austin.

During any week-long trip, I always recommend spending a few days relaxing and soaking up the feel of a city in between busier days exploring the culture, art, and fine cuisine.

Austin is no exception and provides the perfect backdrop for a culture-packed, party-filled vacation interspersed with outdoor adventures and opportunities for relaxation. 

Spend your first few days exploring downtown Austin, walking around the Texas Capitol, visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum , and doing some city shopping. There are plenty of restaurants and hole-in-the-walls to suit every budget and taste in the city. 

For a relaxing day, the Zilker Metropolitan Park is a sprawling oasis of grassy lawns, manicured gardens, and water features. The Barton Springs Pools are another excellent place for a day in the sun in Austin, where you can rinse away your troubles in the warm water.

Taking a day trip to the barbeque capital of America is a great option. Lockhart is just a 70-mile round trip from Austin and is home to some of the best southern food establishments.

If you have the time and budget to visit both Houston and Austin, I highly recommend doing so. Heck, why not throw in Dallas and complete the Texan triangle? 

While similar in some respects, Houston and Austin have entirely unique atmospheres and vibes, offering experiences and attractions suitable for different types of travelers. The best way to experience the diversity of Texas is to visit more than one city!

Conveniently, Houston and Austin are just a 160-mile distance from one another. The best, cheapest, and most efficient way to travel between the cities is to drive alone on Interstate 10 and State Highway 71. The drive is quick and painless, with lots of places to stop for a photo op or a meal. It will take around two and a half hours to get from Houston to Austin and vice versa without traffic.

If you don’t have access to a private vehicle, the next best option is to take a bus, which takes around three hours and ten minutes and can cost as little as $15. The bus runs from downtown to downtown and departs every few hours.

Amtrak trains run between the cities. However, the schedule is limited and runs only twice a day.

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Which city is better to travel to, Houston or Austin?

Austin is a safer, clean, and quiet city that attracts many families and couples. It has a laid-back vibe with lots of good music, food, and outdoor adventure. Houston has more of a big-city vibe with a vibrant dining and entertainment scene.

Which city has better weather, Houston or Austin?

Houston’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it feel hotter and more humid, while Austin’s inland location keeps the city much drier during the summer months.

Is Houston or Austin safer?

Austin is much safer than Houston, with both petty and violent crime being significantly low. This is due to the size of the cities. You will feel safe walking around at night alone in Austin, while you might not feel as secure in Houston.

Which city has the best economy, Houston or Texas?

Houston ranks amongst some of the most successful American economies with its burgeoning energy industry and space exploration scene. On top of this, it is rated for its economic sustainability over the long term.

Southern charm and hospitality, an incredible food scene, and live music on every street corner. These are the things that make Texas one of the premier destinations in the country and what makes Houston and Austin seem similar. 

But don’t be fooled; while the south can be merged into a blurry idealized image, each city here is entirely unique from one other. With different attractions, outdoor adventures, diverse populations, and unique cultural experiences, Houston and Austin offer something for every type of traveler. 

Houston is known for its bustling nightlife, busy downtown, and multicultural art and culture scene. Of course, its booming energy and space industry draws the attention of many young entrepreneurs and students from across the globe. 

Austin feels much more like a small town than a city, with a laid-back vibe and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s safe, clean, affordable, and offers a high standard of living for its fast-growing population. The city is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers.

While choosing between Houston and Austin can be tricky, I have no doubt each city will outdo your expectations.

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BEST Guide For Choosing Between Houston Vs Austin

Introduction.

Choosing between Houston and Austin can be a tough decision, as both cities have a lot to offer. Whether you are considering a move for work, education, or just a change of scenery, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each city. In this guide, we will delve into various aspects that can help you make an informed choice.

Houston, the largest city in Texas, is known for its diverse economy, rich cultural heritage, and world-class healthcare and education systems. It is home to a thriving job market, numerous Fortune 500 companies, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. On the other hand, Austin, the state capital, is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, tech industry boom, and vibrant music and food scene. It attracts young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who value a dynamic and progressive environment.

In this guide, we will compare and contrast the cost of living, job market, housing options, education quality, entertainment and cultural opportunities, outdoor activities, transportation, and climate of Houston and Austin. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of the key factors that distinguish these cities, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal priorities and preferences.

Cost of Living

When deciding between Houston and Austin, it’s essential to consider the cost of living in both cities. Overall, Houston tends to have a lower cost of living compared to Austin. Housing is more affordable in Houston, with a wider range of options and lower median home prices. The rental market in Houston is also relatively affordable, offering a variety of choices for different budgets.

Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are generally more affordable in Houston. The city doesn’t have state income tax, which can be a significant advantage for residents. However, it’s important to note that property taxes can be higher in Houston compared to Austin.

In contrast, Austin has experienced rapid growth in recent years, leading to an increase in the overall cost of living. Housing prices in Austin have risen considerably, and the rental market has become highly competitive. The demand for housing in popular neighborhoods can drive up prices, making it more challenging to find affordable options.

Furthermore, while groceries and transportation costs in Austin are relatively on par with Houston, residents may experience higher healthcare costs. It’s also essential to consider the impact of the state income tax in Austin, which can add to the overall expenses.

Ultimately, when considering the cost of living, it is crucial to evaluate your personal financial situation and priorities. Houston offers a more affordable lifestyle overall, with lower housing prices and a favorable tax structure. On the other hand, Austin may be more appealing for those seeking a vibrant urban setting despite the higher costs associated with it.

The job market is a significant factor to consider when deciding between Houston and Austin. Both cities offer diverse opportunities but have different industry focuses.

Houston, often referred to as the “Energy Capital of the World,” has a robust and vibrant economy. It is home to many major oil and gas companies, as well as a thriving healthcare industry. The energy sector plays a significant role in Houston’s job market, with numerous employment opportunities in engineering, energy trading, and research and development. Moreover, the city has a strong presence in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and biomedical, offering a range of job prospects.

Austin, on the other hand, has emerged as a major tech hub, earning the nickname “Silicon Hills.” It is home to tech giants like Dell, IBM, and Apple, as well as a burgeoning start-up scene. The tech industry in Austin has grown exponentially, attracting skilled professionals in software development, data analysis, and digital marketing. Austin also has a thriving creative economy, with a strong presence of media, advertising, and design companies.

Both cities have a favorable business environment and are known for their entrepreneurial spirit. Houston’s diverse economy provides stability and opportunities in a wide range of sectors, while Austin’s innovation-driven job market offers exciting prospects in cutting-edge industries. Consider your skills, experience, and career goals when evaluating the job market in each city.

It’s worth noting that the current economic landscape, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, can influence job availability and market conditions. It’s important to research and stay updated on the job market trends in both cities as you make your decision.

Ultimately, the job market in Houston and Austin offers unique opportunities, and your decision should be based on your industry preference and career aspirations. Whether you are seeking stability in the energy sector or looking to ride the wave of technological innovation, both cities provide avenues for professional growth and success.

When considering a move to either Houston or Austin, it’s important to evaluate the housing options available in each city. Both cities offer a range of choices, from apartments and condos to single-family homes, but there are some key differences to consider.

In Houston, the cost of housing is generally more affordable compared to Austin. The city offers a diverse range of housing options, from affordable suburban neighborhoods to luxurious gated communities. Houston’s real estate market is known for its affordability and variety, making it easier to find a home that suits your budget and preferences. Additionally, Houston has a larger average lot size, providing more space for outdoor activities and potentially reducing noise from neighbors.

On the other hand, Austin’s housing market has experienced significant growth and increased demand in recent years. This has led to a rise in home prices and a competitive rental market. The city has a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities. From trendy urban lofts in downtown Austin to family-friendly suburban communities, there are housing options to fit various lifestyles. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living in desirable neighborhoods in Austin can be higher compared to Houston.

Another factor to consider is commute times. Houston is known for its sprawling layout, which can result in longer commute times, especially during rush hour. Austin, while experiencing growth, has a more compact city layout and infrastructure, which can lead to shorter commute times for many residents.

Ultimately, the choice between Houston and Austin in terms of housing depends on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Houston offers more affordable options and a greater variety of housing styles, while Austin has a vibrant and trendy real estate market, albeit with higher prices in certain areas. Consider your priorities and budget when evaluating the housing options in each city.

Education is a crucial consideration for families and individuals when choosing between Houston and Austin. Both cities have a strong education system, but there are some distinctions to be aware of.

Houston is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including Rice University, the University of Houston, and the Texas Medical Center, which is the largest medical complex in the world. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs and attract students from all over the globe. In addition, Houston has excellent public and private school options for K-12 education, with highly rated schools in various neighborhoods.

Austin is known for its flagship university, the University of Texas at Austin, which is one of the top public research universities in the country. The city also boasts other renowned higher education institutions such as St. Edward’s University and Austin Community College. Austin’s focus on technology and innovation translates into cutting-edge education programs and resources. The city’s public school system is highly regarded, and there are several exemplary school districts to choose from.

When it comes to education, it is important to consider the specific programs and opportunities that are relevant to your interests and goals. Research the universities, colleges, and schools in both Houston and Austin to determine which institutions align with your educational needs.

Furthermore, if you have children, it’s crucial to explore the K-12 education options available in each city. Look into the quality of public schools, as well as the availability of private, charter, and magnet schools in the neighborhoods you are considering.

Ultimately, both Houston and Austin offer excellent educational opportunities and a supportive learning environment. Consider your academic pursuits, whether you are looking to pursue higher education or seeking quality education for your children, to make an informed decision that aligns with your educational aspirations.

Entertainment and Culture

When it comes to entertainment and culture, both Houston and Austin offer a vibrant and diverse scene that caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.

Houston is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to a multitude of museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues. The Museum District in Houston boasts world-class institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Menil Collection. The city is also renowned for its theater district, featuring the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre and the Houston Symphony. Additionally, Houston hosts numerous annual events and festivals that celebrate its diverse population and cultural traditions.

Austin, often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is a hub for music, arts, and cultural events. The city’s vibrant music scene is centered around the iconic Sixth Street and the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) festival. Austin also hosts major events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Austin Film Festival, which attract artists, musicians, and filmmakers from around the world. The city is known for its lively and eclectic arts district, with numerous galleries, theaters, and street art scattered throughout downtown.

Both cities offer a wide array of dining options, ranging from traditional Texan fare to international cuisine. Houston is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from BBQ and seafood to international delicacies. Austin, on the other hand, is renowned for its food truck culture, serving up everything from gourmet tacos to innovative fusion dishes.

When it comes to outdoor activities, both cities have plenty to offer. Houston is home to numerous parks and green spaces, including Memorial Park and Hermann Park, which offer trails, recreational facilities, and beautiful gardens. Austin is known for its outdoor spaces such as Zilker Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Ultimately, the choice between Houston and Austin for entertainment and culture depends on your personal preferences. Houston’s diverse cultural scene and annual events provide a variety of choices, while Austin’s reputation as a music and arts hub offers unique and energetic experiences. Consider your interests, hobbies, and desired lifestyle when evaluating the entertainment and cultural opportunities in each city.

Outdoor Activities

When it comes to outdoor activities, both Houston and Austin offer a wide range of options to enjoy the natural beauty of Texas. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, water sports, or simply spending time in picturesque parks, both cities have something to offer.

Houston is home to numerous parks and green spaces where you can immerse yourself in nature. Memorial Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for golfing and tennis. Hermann Park, located near the Museum District, features a beautiful Japanese garden, a zoo, and a lake with paddleboats. Buffalo Bayou Park is another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with its scenic trails along the bayou and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.

Austin is known for its outdoor activities and is surrounded by natural beauty. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, as well as opportunities for swimming in natural swimming holes. Lady Bird Lake, located in the heart of downtown Austin, is a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the nearby Hill Country provides opportunities for camping, fishing, and exploring picturesque state parks.

Both cities have a favorable climate that allows for year-round outdoor activities. Houston has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers, while Austin has a hot, semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. It’s important to consider the weather conditions and plan activities accordingly.

Additionally, both cities offer opportunities for sports enthusiasts. Houston is home to professional sports teams, including the Astros (baseball), Rockets (basketball), and Texans (football), making it a great destination for sports fans. Austin has a strong sports culture as well, with a dedicated fan base for the University of Texas Longhorns and opportunities for recreational sports leagues throughout the city.

Ultimately, when it comes to outdoor activities, both Houston and Austin provide ample opportunities to explore nature, stay active, and enjoy the beautiful Texan landscape. Consider your outdoor interests and the proximity to parks and recreational areas when making your decision.

Transportation

When considering transportation options, both Houston and Austin offer different systems to navigate the cities efficiently.

Houston has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with highways, toll roads, and a comprehensive public transportation system. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) operates a bus network and a light rail system, providing a convenient way to get around the city. Additionally, Houston is known for its extensive highway system, which can make commuting by car more efficient, although traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours.

In comparison, Austin’s transportation system is primarily reliant on personal vehicles. The city is known for its traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour. However, Austin is making efforts to improve public transportation options, such as expanding its MetroRail system and implementing new transit initiatives. The city also has a growing network of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas, making it easier to get around on foot or by bike, especially in downtown areas.

It’s worth noting that both Houston and Austin have ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, providing convenient alternatives for getting from one place to another. Additionally, both cities have airports that offer domestic and international flights, connecting residents to various destinations.

When choosing between Houston and Austin, it’s important to consider your personal transportation needs and preferences. If you prefer a city with a well-established public transportation system, Houston may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy the convenience of driving and are willing to navigate the potential traffic in Austin, it can be a viable option.

Ultimately, it’s advisable to research the transportation options available in both cities and consider factors such as your commuting needs, reliance on public transportation, and preference for driving or alternative modes of transport when making your decision.

Climate can play a significant role when choosing between Houston and Austin, as both cities experience different weather patterns and temperatures throughout the year.

Houston has a subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. Summers in Houston are typically long and hot, with temperatures often reaching the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) and high humidity levels. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are also common during the summer months. Winters in Houston are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit (10s to 20s Celsius). While snow is a rare occurrence in Houston, occasional freezes and cold fronts can happen during the winter season.

Austin, on the other hand, has a hot semi-arid climate. Summers in Austin are hot and dry, with temperatures consistently reaching the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius) and occasionally surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Winters in Austin are mild, with average temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit (10s to 20s Celsius). While snowfall is infrequent, winter nights can occasionally dip into freezing temperatures.

Both cities experience high levels of humidity, especially during the summer season. It can be a factor to consider for individuals who are sensitive to humidity or prefer a drier climate.

When it comes to precipitation, Houston receives more rain on average compared to Austin. Houston’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it more susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, which can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. Austin, located further inland, typically receives less rainfall overall, but the risk of severe thunderstorms and flash floods remains.

Ultimately, the choice between Houston and Austin in terms of climate depends on your preferences and tolerance for heat, humidity, and rainfall. If you prefer milder winters and don’t mind hot and humid summers, Houston may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you can handle the intense heat and prefer a drier climate, Austin may be more appealing.

It’s advisable to consider your comfort level with different weather conditions and how they may impact your daily life and outdoor activities when making your decision.

Choosing between Houston and Austin ultimately boils down to your personal preferences, priorities, and lifestyle. Both cities offer unique advantages and a distinct atmosphere that cater to different needs and desires.

If affordability is a top priority, Houston may be the better choice, with its lower cost of living and more affordable housing options. Houston’s diverse economy, strong job market, and world-class healthcare and education institutions make it an attractive destination for professionals and families.

On the other hand, if you crave a vibrant and progressive environment with a booming tech scene, Austin may be the city for you. Austin’s lively music and cultural scene, along with its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, draw young professionals and creatives seeking a dynamic and energetic atmosphere.

Consider other factors such as the climate, transportation options, outdoor activities, and educational opportunities when making your decision. Houston’s subtropical climate, well-developed transportation infrastructure, and abundant green spaces cater to those who enjoy outdoor activities and prefer a city with a diverse range of schools and universities.

Ultimately, both Houston and Austin have their own unique charm and offer plentiful amenities and opportunities. It’s important to visit both cities, explore their neighborhoods, and experience the local culture and lifestyle firsthand to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and goals.

No matter which city you choose, both Houston and Austin exemplify the friendly and welcoming spirit that Texas is known for. Whether you prefer the energy of a bustling metropolis or the laid-back vibes of a music-centric city, Houston and Austin will undoubtedly offer a fulfilling and enriching experience.

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36 Hours in Austin

By Shannon Sims Updated Feb. 29, 2024

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“Keep Austin weird” is the decades-old mantra in this capital of live music, colorful characters and, of course, Texas. But Austin, now the country’s 10th-most-populous city, is looking very different: Tesla Cybertrucks are pulling up beside pickups as this college town, home to the University of Texas, just keeps growing. South by Southwest , the signature music festival and conference, starts March 8, but any spring or autumn weekend is an invitation to fall in love with the city. Admire the skyline from a kayak on Lady Bird Lake, treat yourself to barbecue (it’s Texas, after all), and spend an evening carousing Sixth Street until you find your crowd. But whatever you do, for the love of Willie Nelson — one of those colorful Austin characters — start each morning with a breakfast taco.

Recommendations

• Lady Bird Lake is a waterway in the heart of Austin where visitors can enjoy the skyline from a kayak or paddle board.
• South Congress Avenue abounds with places to shop for cowboy hats, boots and vintage accessories to complete an Austin look.
• Barton Springs Pool is a spring-fed public swimming pool that stays at around 70 degrees year-round.
• Zilker Metropolitan Park , Austin’s big central green space, features jogging trails and natural springs.
• Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is a prime spot at dusk, from April to October, to watch a giant resident colony of bats take flight.
• Sixth Street is one of Austin’s party zones, with bars and live music for every taste.
• Mount Bonnell , one of the highest points in Austin, is a great place for a panoramic view.
• The Bullock Texas State History Museum gives an overview of Texas’ past through exhibitions and films.
• Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail winds along the banks of the Colorado River near downtown.
• JuiceLand , a local chain, sells fresh smoothies, juices and açaí bowls.
• Dai Due is a high-end East Austin restaurant that turns out top-notch New Texan cuisine and specializes in wild game.
• The White Horse has a dance floor that’s the best place to test your Texas two-step skills.
• Veracruz All Natural is a female-owned local chain turning out some of Austin’s best breakfast tacos.
• Bouldin Creek Cafe combines a vegan-friendly menu with neighborhood charm.
• Jo’s Coffee offers iced coffee, breakfast tacos and live music. The “i love you so much” mural on the cafe’s outside wall attracts even non-coffee drinkers as well.
• Amy’s Ice Cream , a brand founded in Austin, is known for its Mexican vanilla flavor.
• Odd Duck is a South Austin restaurant with friendly service that started as a food truck.
• Donn’s Depot , a groovy dive, offers live country music and a multigenerational dance floor.
• Ego’s is a late-night karaoke bar inside a parking garage.
• La Barbecue , a female-owned restaurant in East Austin, serves brisket and pork ribs worth lining up for (although a handy order-ahead option lets you bypass the wait).
• Allens Boots is a longstanding, family-owned store on South Congress Avenue with a vast selection of cowboy footwear.
• Heritage Boot Co. , in South Austin, designs its own high-end cowboy boots.
• Feathers Vintage sells trendy secondhand fashion, from used coveralls to Valentino sweaters.
• Maufrais lets people customize their own cowboy hats.
• The Line ’s prime location means that many of its rooms — and its pool — overlook both the Colorado River and the Congress Avenue Bridge. There is also a Veracruz All Natural stand in the lobby, so you can get delicious breakfast tacos without changing out of your slippers. Rooms start at $215.
• Austin Motel on South Congress Avenue is easy to spot thanks to its iconic, phallic neon sign that reads, “So close yet so far out” — an accurate description of the proximity to downtown and the hip vibe of this redesigned motor lodge with a heated pool and a courtyard perfect for predinner drinks with fellow travelers. Rooms from $203.
• Heywood Hotel , a restored bungalow in the heart of East Austin, is an understated antidote to the area’s corporate short-term rentals. It has an affable front-desk staff and seven guest rooms, some with balconies and skylights. Rooms from $199.
• Short-term rentals are everywhere in Austin, especially in the most walkable parts of town, like downtown, around South Congress Avenue and near the University of Texas campus. Or try East Austin for a more eclectic area with both down-home Mexican bakeries and chic designer shops.
• Austin is smaller than Houston or Dallas, but driving or using a ride-hailing app like Uber is still the easiest way to get around. Many of Austin’s highlights — like Zilker Park, South Congress, downtown and East Austin — are within about 20 minutes’ biking distance. You can rent bikes through the city’s bike share program, MetroBike ($12.99 for 24 hours). The public bus system, CapMetro , is also efficient and easy to use ($1.25 a ride).

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Outdoor adventures, insightful museums, and lively dance halls await.

As the state capital of Texas, Austin lures those from near and far with its vast array of culture and history. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," you're sure to find plenty of places here to grab a drink and hear some tunes, but you'll also find scenic hiking trails, world-class art, and plenty of tasty food to keep you coming back time and time again. Whether you're a museum lover or an outdoor enthusiast, here are the 30 best things to do in Austin, Texas.

Watch the bats emerge at Congress Avenue Bridge.

From late March through early fall, the largest urban bat population in North America can be seen emerging from under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge every night. Thousands of bats flutter through the sky, eating bugs along the way, while bat lovers watch from the bridge or below on Lady Bird Lake.

Tour the Texas Capitol building.

Taking a free, guided tour of the Capitol is one of the best things to do in Austin — especially if you're a history lover. The Texas Capitol building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and is one of the largest capitol buildings in the country.

Have life-changing Tex-Mex cuisine.

You can't come to Texas and not try some Tex-Mex cuisine – a delicious blend of Mexican classics with Texas twists, found across the state. Austin has some real gems, including Matt's El Rancho , Juan in a Million , and Fonda San Miguel .

Attend SXSW.

Every March, Austin welcomes creatives from around the world for film screenings, music, exhibitions, speakers, and all things tech, education, and culture. SXSW is a great opportunity to bring your creative ideas to the table and turn that dream into a reality. Keynotes have included Michelle Obama, Willie Nelson, and Mark Cuban.

Visit the Blanton Museum of Art.

With more than 19,000 works in the permanent collection, the Blanton is known for its European paintings, modern and contemporary American and Latin art, and a wide range of prints and drawings. Don't forget to snap a picture of Ellsworth Kelly's "Austin," a stone building with colorful glass windows that's a must for your Instagram feed.

Make a splash at the Barton Springs Pool.

Austin's favorite swimming hole is definitely Barton Springs , a three-acre pool fed from underground springs. The pool keeps an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, comfortable for year-round swimming. Recent years have seen record attendance, with visitor numbers almost at 800,000 people per year.

Spend some time on South Congress.

South Congress, or SoCo, is a lively district south of Lady Bird Lake full of great restaurants, boutiques, vintage shops, bars, and live music venues. Visitors and locals alike love this part of the city. The famous "I Love You So Much" mural is found here at Jo's Coffee , and Monkey See Monkey Do is a treasure trove of vintage toys and gifts.

Buy a pair of cowboy boots.

If you're ready to hit the honky tonks, getting a fresh pair of authentic cowboy boots is a must. Allens Boots has a large selection, while Heritage Boot Co. offers handmade, vintage-inspired cowboy boots. Want to customize a pair of boots to fit your style? Texas Custom Boots can help you out.

Shop the Austin City-Wide Vintage Sale.

Held at the Palmer Events Center almost every month, the Austin City-Wide Vintage Sale is the place to find anything vintage and collectible. Since 1977, decorators, designers, college students, families, and anyone looking for unique items head to the sale for everything from furniture and kitchenware to vintage jewelry and art.

See art in nature at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum.

In 1985, 20th-century American sculptor Charles Umlauf and his wife Angie Umlauf donated their home, Charles' studio, and hundreds of sculptures to the City of Austin. Today, the Umlauf is a museum in a garden setting complete with over 2,000 drawings and 273 sculptures by the artist.

Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

On 284 acres in the Hill Country, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center boasts beautiful gardens of Texas native plants, trails, an arboretum, and a savanna meadow where you can learn about karst landscapes. The center has recorded sightings of more than 143 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, and 1,800 species of insects.

Lounge by Lady Bird Lake.

Paddleboard, kayak, or canoe your way across Austin's Lady Bird Lake for views of the skyline and outdoor recreation right in the city. Take a hike or bike ride along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, which borders the lake, or float down the Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail .

Attend ACL.

Austin is known for its live music scene, and Austin City Limits Music Festival , held in Zilker Park, is a must for music lovers. More than 100 performances take place across eight stages each year. Past performers have included Radiohead, Lionel Richie, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Head to Rainey Street.

In downtown Austin, this strip of bungalow-houses-turned-bars is a popular destination for drinks, delicious grub, and of course, live music. Lucille Patio Lounge , Half Step , and The Container Bar are all great places for a cocktail or two.

Visit McKinney Falls State Park.

Within Austin's city limits is an outdoor oasis that's perfect for unplugging from technology and connecting with nature. Visitors can hike, bike, boulder, stay overnight at one of 81 campsites, or swim in Onion Creek. Check out "Old Baldy" while you're here. It's one of the oldest bald cypress trees in Texas and is more than 500 years old and 103 feet tall.

Cheer on the Longhorns at a game.

Texans are passionate about football, and Austin's University of Texas brings the school spirit every season. In a sea of burnt orange, enthusiastic fans cheer on the Longhorns with storied chants and the "Hook 'Em" hand symbol swaying through the air.

Hang out in Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Austinites love spending time in Zilker Metropolitan Park , located in downtown Austin near Lady Bird Lake. The park's 351 acres are great for picnicking, meeting a new dog friend or two, disc golf, hiking, biking, and even paddling. The Barton Springs Pool is also located here.

Learn your Texas history at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Known as the official history museum of Texas, the Bullock is the place to learn about the story of Texas. See the 300-year-old ship of French explorer La Salle that sank in Matagorda Bay, numerous Indigenous artifacts, and more.

Have a night on Sixth Street.

While Sixth Street tends to be a bit rowdy, it's long been the place to party in Austin. The street closes to through traffic from Thursdays through Saturday nights, meaning there's lots of people parading up and down the street in search of cheap drinks, entertainment, and that late-night slice of pizza.

Go dancing at Broken Spoke.

Put your dancin' boots on and head to Broken Spoke , a dance hall that's been open since 1964 and has seen performances from legends such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, and Dolly Parton. They even offer dance lessons for those new to two-steppin'.

Visit the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum.

On the University of Texas campus, the LBJ Presidential Library houses 45 million pages of historical documents, 650,000 photos, and 5,000 hours of recordings from President Johnson's political career. There are also over 54,000 objects to see, such as the desk used for the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Hike Mount Bonnell.

Among the top things to do in Austin is get a bird's-eye view of the metropolis at Mount Bonnell , one of the city's highest points at 781 feet. After climbing 102 stairs you'll reach the top, where you can take in breathtaking views of downtown and the 360 Bridge. A pavilion and viewing deck allow you to rest up before descending.

Visit the Harry Ransom Center.

Hone into your intellectual side at the Harry Ransom Center , which houses almost 1 million books, over 42 million manuscripts, millions of photographs, and 100,000 works of art. Highlights include some of Einstein's unpublished notes and calculations on general relativity, original works by Frida Kahlo, and Jack Kerouac's notebook from writing "On the Road."

Eat craft barbecue.

Texas is known for its unbeatable barbecue scene, and Austin is home to some of the best 'cue in the state. Leroy and Lewis , Distant Relatives , Valentina's Tex-Mex Barbecue , and La Barbecue are just a few of the top BBQ joints.

Visit a honky tonk.

For a true Texas experience, visiting a honky tonk is a must-do activity, and Austin has some of the best. Strap on your boots and head to the dance floor for country music and a good time. The White Horse , Sam's Town Point , Giddy Up's , and The Little Longhorn Saloon are all great for a boot-scootin' good time.

Stay over in style.

While the live music and dining scene in Austin is thriving, the city is also home to some great hotels. Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt , Heywood Hotel , and Austin Proper Hotel are all gorgeous, while Lake Austin Spa Resort stuns on Lake Austin.

Sip your way through local breweries.

You can't be the "Live Music Capital of the World" and not have great beers to go alongside an evening of fun. Thankfully, Austin is packed with one-of-a-kind breweries across the city. Jester King offers up top-notch farmhouse ales in Hill Country, while Pinthouse , St. Elmo , and Austin Beerworks are just a few of the big hitters in town.

Go mural hopping.

Across the city, vibrant murals don the walls of buildings, displaying everything from Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson to an enormous golden-cheeked warbler. One of the most fun things to do in Austin is a self-guided tour of the best street art around town.

Grab a glass at local distilleries.

Austin and the surrounding Hill Country area are home to a number of great distilleries, and many of them have excellent tasting rooms where you can relax and have a cocktail. Desert Door Distillery , Deep Eddy Vodka , and Garrison Brothers are all fantastic distilleries just outside of town.

See a show at the Paramount Theatre.

Since 1915, patrons have been coming to this storied theater to see performances from legends like Harry Houdini, Duke Ellington, and Katharine Hepburn. Today's shows include musical performances, magic shows, interviews, and more.

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The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Austin

By Meredith Carey

Austin—the quirky, liberal Texas capital—is full of great barbecue, world-class sushi, one of the best movie theaters in the world, and, yes, some gnarly traffic. But if you plan it right, and dress according for the boiling summer temps, which can reach the 100s, you'll be droppin' your "g"s and keeping up with the locals (at least in terms of margaritas).

How to Get Around

You're going to need a ride to get around, mainly because Austin is pretty spread out, but also because half of the year, it's too damn hot to walk around. Rent a car ahead of time or use Lyft or Uber to get from taco truck to taco truck. If surge pricing is too high (and it can get rough during rush hour), check out the alternative rideshare services that popped up during the year that Uber and Lyft left the city due to more intense background checks and fingerprinting requirements . The two companies came back in June 2017 after the state killed the city's additional security checks, but many of the smaller companies are still driving Austinites around. Ride Austin is the most popular alternative option.

Know that no matter how you get from A to B, you will get stuck in traffic. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., there are more people and cars on the road than ever before, and the city's highways and infrastructure hasn't changed much to accommodate the new folks. Add a good 15 minutes of buffer—30 during rush hour—to make sure you make it to your dinner table or Barton Springs Municipal Pool reservation in time.

What to Wear

Recently, with the surge of tech companies moving in, Austin has gotten a rep as being hipster central, but the city has had a laid-back vibe for as long as most Texans can remember. Flip flops are a go-to, no matter the temperature—it gets up to 100 in the summer. Casual clothes, like shorts and a graphic tee and stylish sneakers , will get you pretty much anywhere, but be sure to check with more upscale restaurants (like ATX Cocina) as some have dress codes. The weather can also be very temperamental, and A/C is always on, so bring layers even in the summer, just in case a blast of 70 degree air whips through.

Do plan your meals ahead of time. Food should be your top priority. Many of the upscale restaurants, like Uchi and Lenoir, will require reservations, while others like Clark's Oyster Bar and Tex-Mex institution Guero's just require well-timed arrivals. There are so many amazing restaurants here it's overwhelming, so map out the general meals you'd like to eat—this way, you won't freeze up when it comes time to pick a barbecue spot.

Don't forget about music. Austin is the self-proclaimed "live music capital of the world" and is a magnet for singer-songwriters, country, jazz, and rock musicians. We love The White Horse for its honky tonk dancing and old-school country music. Then there's the Moody Theater, which hosts live tapings of Austin City Limits Live , the longest running music TV show in American history. Or, head to Stay Gold in East Austin for live soul music.

Do bring your patience. If you're going to the good restaurants and Austin hot spots, you will be waiting in line. But we promise, it'll be worth it. Visitors and Austinites alike bring lawn chairs and wait hours just for a slice of Franklin Barbecue 's brisket or to see a horde of bats swarm out from under the South Congress bridge, so you'll be in good company.

Do know where to escape the crowds. Hike around the Greenbelt, an 832-acre nature reserve, or take in some art at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum .

Do not leave Austin without tasting some brisket, and don't even think about asking for barbecue sauce.

Know the Lingo

Dirty Sixth Unless you are a college junior or a sucker for $5 well gin & tonics (served by the pitcher at Shakespeare's Pub), you're going to want to avoid the stretch of bars in downtown Austin. There are so many other great, walkable bar pockets around the city (like Rainey Street, one of our faves) that spending time here feels like a waste of a good mezcal cocktail you could be having else where. We have one caveat to our "no Dirty Sixth" rule: Midnight Cowboy , and that's because this speakeasy has rules of its own. There's no smoking, guns, phone calls, or general rowdiness in this oasis and the cocktails are delicious. If you haven't made a reservation, check to see if the "Vacancy" sign is lit; if it is, walk-ins are welcome.

Alamo It's a movie theater chain here, not a historic battle site or rental car agency. In fact, most Austinites would fight you over the fact that it is the best movie theater . There's a very strict no-talking, no-texting policy; it's swapped popcorn and sodas for artisanal food and craft beers; and the movie schedule is a mix of new releases and old favorites (like Dirty Dancing sing-a-longs and Shaun of the Dead quote-a-longs). And while the theaters have popped up from Brooklyn to San Francisco, go to the original. It's an Austin rite of passage.

Moist We know, the word grosses a lot of you out. But it's key when ordering brisket in Texas, which comes two ways: "lean," or more dense with less fat, or "moist," a fattier, marbled slice that's arguably tastier. And remember, here the barbecue is so good , you wouldn't dare ask for sauce.

Austin's acronyms ACL means Austin City Limits, a two-weekend music festival in October that mixes local up-and-comers with big name acts across all genres. And SXSW means South by Southwest (also known just as South By), a huge music, film, media, and tech festival that truly takes over downtown Austin each March. If you're not coming for either festival, it's best to avoid Austin during these times, as every restaurant is crowded and hotels are more expensive.

Breakfast Here, it means tacos. Tacos with eggs and tacos with bacon, but always tacos.

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The 12 can't-miss things to do in Houston

Jun 30, 2021 • 6 min read

Foodie street art decorates a building in Houston's Old Chinatown section of downtown © AFP via Getty Images

Houston is a massive metropolis – the fourth largest in the United States – which has drawn people from all over the world for its rich music, food, and business offerings. But don’t let Houston’s size fool you, it isn't all hustle and bustle. The city maintains a diverse, down-to-earth and inclusive vibe with all sorts of cultural, scientific and outdoor offerings throughout H-town. These are 12 of the best things to do in Houston.

1. The Houston Space Center

When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, he said, “Houston, the Eagle has landed.” He was referring to the on-site staff of the NASA Johnson Space Center here in H-town. Today, you can go where history was made and learn all about the moon landing and humanity’s exploration of space with a visit to  Space Center Houston . The official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center welcomes 1.25 million visitors each year who come to marvel at the largest collection of spacesuits and Moon rocks in the world there are over 400 space artifacts here in Houston.

2. Diverse neighborhood cuisines

Houston is the one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States and its food scene reflects that distinction. Taste your way through 70 different countries and US regions at some 10,000 restaurants in the Houston metro. Foodies will love eating their way through Houston's diverse neighborhoods. For instance, you’ll find great Korean food in Spring Branch, fabulous Chinese in Chinatown, Vietnamese in Midtown, and the best Venezuelan food in Katy. Starting in the autumn of 2021, you’ll be able to experience POST Houston, a huge food hall with live music and event spaces which will showcase Houston’s culinary scene.

3. The Museum District 

Culture buffs should make their way to the  Houston Museum District  which is home to 19 different institutions. To make things easier for travelers, the Museum District has been separated into four different walkable zones. In the first zone, you can dive into a collection of 17,000 paintings, sculptures and rare books at the  Menil Collection  before walking to the Houston Center for Photography. 

The second zone hosts the most museums, including the likes of the  Holocaust Museum Houston  and  Houston Museum of African American Culture . The  Contemporary Arts Museum and the  Museum of Fine Arts  are grouped in the third zone, while the  Children's Museum of Houston ,  Houston Zoo  and  The Health Museum  are just a glimpse of what you can discover in the fourth zone of the Museum District.   

4. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 

Texas has its cowboy reputation, and you can experience a taste of that culture for yourself at the  Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo . This rodeo, which has been around since 1932, is held over a couple of weeks in February and March and is known for having the world’s largest livestock show. 

Watch cowboys wrangle steers and cowgirls whip around barrels on their horses during the rodeo, before playing games at the carnival, shopping among local wares, tasting delicious food at barbecue competitions and watching live concerts from some of the biggest names in music. Keep an eye out for special days of celebration and performances, like Tejano Day and Black Heritage Day.  

5. Buffalo Bayou 

Houston has 580 parks that comprise 66,000 acres of land, making this urban destination a great place for outdoor lovers. Not only can you play outside, you can get a different perspective on H-town. See the Houston skyline from the water, for example, on a kayak adventure with  Bayou City Adventures . They’ll take you on the 53-mile Buffalo Bayou which runs through the popular Buffalo Bayou Park , which has 15 miles of biking and walking trails and public art. 

6. See a ball game

The city of Houston has a lot of pride for their hometown sports teams and welcomes visitors to join in on the fun. Head downtown to watch the  Houston Astros  hit home run after home run or to cheer on the  Houston Rockets  as they dominate the court at the Toyota Center. Soccer fans have the option of watching the  Houston Dynamo  or the  Houston Dash , men and women’s respective professional soccer teams, while football fans won’t want to miss a chance to see the  Houston Texans  take on opponents of the AFC South division. Rugby is just now growing in popularity in the United States, but Houston is well ahead of other big cities with their own professional rugby team called the  Houston SaberCats .  

7. The Waugh Bridge Bats

Austin doesn't have a monopoly on bat colonies that spice up summer sunsets. Make your way to Waugh Bridge to see some 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats fly out at dusk. Unlike Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony, Houston's bats live here full-time, s0 you aren't limited to seeing them during any particular season. You can view them from the Waugh Bridge itself, or across the way as they fly into Buffalo Bayou looking for dinner.

8. Spend the day at the beach 

Although Houston doesn’t technically have a beach, it only takes up to an hour’s drive to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico. At 26.2 miles from downtown Houston,  Sylvan Beach Park  is the closest beach. It’s known as one of the better places to swim because of its lack of seaweed.

If you want to skip the crowds of Sylvan Beach Park, make your way to the charming and quiet  El Jardin Beach . You won’t mind driving the hour to Surfside Beach, as it’s known for its beauty and laid-back atmosphere. That said, you won’t find a lot of amenities here so pack an ice chest and bring snacks before you hit the road.  

9. Try extreme sports

For Texas-sized thrills, ride the bowls of the 30,000-square-foot  Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark  or catch some air wakeboarding at the full-scale cable wakeboarding park,  Wake Nation .  You can also try indoor or outdoor skydiving at  iFly Houston  and  Skydive Spaceland , respectively, hit the  Texas Rock Gym , or give the prairie single track a turn at  Jack Brooks Park 's mountain biking trails. You can even try gliding over the Houston landscape with the  Greater Houston Soaring Association , who practice a motorless style of flight.

10. The Houston Farmers Market

The  Houston Farmers Market  is a great introduction to the city's diverse food scene. The Market technically dates back to the 1940s, but is housed in a brand-new building that developers hope will be H-towns version of Seattle's Pike Place Market or the San Francisco Ferry Building. Here you will be able to find fresh produce and eateries serving everything from breakfast to Tex-Mex to cajun dishes – and all the restaurants showcase some element of Houston culture.

11. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, which has an impressive sculpture fountain that’s best described as a ‘waterwall.’ It's 45 feet high, shaped like a horseshoe, and recycles sheets of water to the tune of 11,000 gallons per minute. It's been a favorite in Houston since 1983 – so popular, in fact, you need to get a special permit if you are hoping to get engaged, married or even professionally photographed here. No one is stopping you from snapping a photo for personal use, however – and indeed, the Watewall seems like it was made with Instagram in mind.

12. National Museum of Funeral History

Many major cities have an art museum or a natural history museum, but Houston is one of the few to boast a museum about the funeral industry. It might sound morbid, but the National Museum of Funeral History is an interesting institution blends history, science, art and culture with exhibits on everything from embalming to wild and whimsical coffins to the unique jazz funerals of New Orleans. You can see a Victorian hearse, learn about presidential funerals, and find out more about Hispanic culture at the Dia de los Muertos exhibit.

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13 Best Stops on Houston to Austin Drive

Planning a Houston to Austin road trip?

Austin, located in the Texas Hill Country, is one of our favorite weekend getaways in Texas.

The drive from Houston to Austin is scenic and there are plenty of stops along the way to make the most of your trip.

Here is a guide to planning a road trip between two of Texas’s most vibrant cities.

Also Read: Houston to South Padre Island Road trip

Houston to Austin Drive Route

You can take two routes: US 290W or the I-10W and US-71.

US-290W is a scenic alternative while the I-10 up to Columbus and then State Highway 71 offers the fastest alternative.

Or plan a round trip – take the I-10 to Austin and 290 on the return Austin to Houston drive.

This is one of our favorite short road trips in the Lone Star State!

Also Read: 28 Best Road Trips from Houston

Houston to Austin Trip Distance

Wondering how many how many miles from Austin to Houston?

The straight line distance is under 150 miles but the driving distance between Austin TX and Houston TX is closer to 170 miles.

The total driving distance from Houston to Austin via US-290W is 165 miles while via I-10 is 162 miles.

Houston to Austin Drive Hours

Houston to Austin Drive time is about 3 hours, which means you can easily make it a day trip.

But we recommend spending at least a night or two in Austin so that you can experience all that the city has to offer.

Also Read: 21 Best Road Trips from Austin, Texas

Houston and Austin fly and drive trip

Visiting Texas to enjoy Austin’s famous music festivals such as Austin City Limits or South by Southwest?

Houston is always cheaper to fly into than Austin.

What we recommend is flying into George Bush Intercontinental Airport of Houston and then planning a road trip to Austin, Texas.

The IAH airport is well connected to all major US cities via several airlines including United Airlines, American, Spirit, and more.

Or you can also fly into Hobby airport.

Rent a car at the airport and then spend some time exploring the Bayou City and its attractions before driving to Austin.

Then fly out from Austin airport.

Also Read: Best Things to do in Houston, Texas

Essential Stops on Houston to Austin Road Trip via US-290 W

During spring, US-290W is our preferred and simply the best route from Houston to Austin.

You will see stunning flower fields along the route and can stop in small towns to enjoy local events and festivals.

If you’re looking for things to do on your Houston to Austin drive on US-290W, here are the best stops:

Waller and Waller County is a great stop on the scenic drive from Houston to Austin.

Many of Houston’s best farms such as Dewberry Farms and Neal’s Berry Farm are located here.

Eat some bbq at Waller County Line BBQ and check out the area’s flower fields while you drive.

Chappell Hill 

The historic district has charming bed & breakfast inns and antique shops.

Chappell Hill, Texas is a pretty small town on the Texas Independence Trail.

It is located between Brenham and Navasota in Washington County .

Popular attractions in the area include Chappell Hill Museum, historic buildings, and the bluebonnet festival held every spring.

In fact, Chappell Hill is one of the best things to do between Austin and Houston during the bluebonnet season.

Washington on the Brazos State Park, the historic site where Texas’s Declaration of Independence was signed, is also located nearby.

Visitors can take a stroll through the park and enjoy nature trails, a visitor center, or see the exhibits at nearby Star of the Republic Museum.

Brenham, Texas is the county seat of Washington County.

It is also one of the biggest cities between Austin and Houston.

Brenham is known for its natural beauty.

Brenham’s most popular attraction is the Blue Bell Creameries Factory.

Visitors can take a tour of this famous creamery to learn about its history and see how the ice cream is made from the observation deck.

The small town of Brenham is also home to several historic sites, museums, bluebonnets in spring, and great eateries.

Located almost midway, Brenham is a great pitstop on the road trip from Houston to Austin.

Giddings, Texas is rustic and rural.

If you are looking for a sleepy little Central Texas town to explore, then Giddings is your best bet.

The downtown area has plenty of historic buildings including the Lee County Courthouse, Texas Wending heritage museum, and a vintage carousel.

You can also find some good Texas barbecue here.

Elgin is a popular stop before Austin and makes for a great break on your journey.

Fun fact: Elgin is also known as the Sausage Capital of Texas!

It is famous for its bbq, historic Main Street, and plenty of antique stores.

Austin, the capital of Texas, is always bursting with activities.

Take the time to explore the city’s different sights from the historic Congress Avenue to the hip Domain. Enjoy the skyline views along Lady Bird Lake from a bat-viewing cruise.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Austin , no matter when you visit.

Other popular tourist attractions include the State Capitol Building, Bullock Texas State History Museum, and The University of Texas at Austin.

Austin is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World.

You can explore the city’s enviable food scene, catch a live music show, visit a museum, or go hiking in Austin.

Essential Stops on Houston to Austin Road Trip via I-10W and State Highway 71

if you are planning a day trip to Austin from Houston, then along the I-10 is often the faster route.

If you’re taking the I-10W and State Highway 71 route on your Houston to Austin road trip, here are some stops you shouldn’t miss.

Katy is a great place to make a pit stop on the Houston TX to Austin TX drive.

The distance from Katy to Austin is 135 miles.

Popular things to do in Katy include Typhoon Texas Waterpark, a fun waterpark and the Katy Mills Mall.

Visit La Centerra to check out the eateries or go to No Label Brewing Co for a taste of their craft beer.

Families love Mary Jo Peckham Park for its trails, play areas, and lakes.

Buc ee’s

Bucee’s gas station chain is a Texas staple.

Along with gas for the car, you can find everything from barbeque sandwiches and fudge to Texas themed t-shirts and camping supplies at Bucees.

They are also famous for their exceptionally clean bathrooms and a stop at Bucee’s is sure to last at least an hour long.

Buy souvenirs, get road trip snacks, and explore the sprawling aisles at Buc-ee’s while you’re there.

The popular Texas gas station and convenience store is an essential stop on this road trip!

Columbus is a historic town located between Houston and Austin.

It is the perfect place to become acquainted with small town Texas.

Downtown Columbus is home to several breweries, historic buildings including the Colorado County Courthouse, and giant live oak trees.

It also hosts fun events including the Colorado County Fair.

The Country Market is another great spot to visit on Saturdays.

During the holiday season, you can visit the one-of-a-kind Santa Claus Museum in Columbus.

San Felipe and Sealy

Sealy, one of the cities between Houston and Austin, is home to the Stephen F Austin State Park and the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site.

Stephen F Austin State Park is on the banks of the Brazos River and has amazing hiking trails through the river bottomland forests.

The park is also popular for its wildlife and beautiful Spanish moss covered trees.

Nearby San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site is where Stephen Austin established the first colony in Texas.

It is a perfect place to learn abut the early history of the Lone Star State.

La Grange is the county seat of Fayette County.

It is one of the charming small towns between Houston and Austin.

The town is known for its live music scene and has several bars and dancehalls.

La Grange also has an eclectic mix of shopping and eateries.

Timeless Texas Classics Car museum / dealer is also a popular attraction for car lovers.

Next up – Bastrop , a charming small town, is an essential stop on this road trip.

Bastrop State Park has scenic hiking trails.

Wondering what is between Austin and Houston for kids?

Take them to see the Dinosaur Park attraction.

You can see gigantic dinosaur sculptures and the gift shop has plenty of souvenirs, games, and toys.

McKinney Roughs Nature Park is another great place for nature trails and birding.

Also Read: Best dinosaur museums in Texas

Check in to a hotel and enjoy the popular attractions of the Texas Capital.

Read our itinerary Austin in a weekend to see the city’s major highlights such as the Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, Congress Avenue Bridge bats, and more.

Austin to Houston road trip

Planning the drive from Austin to Houston to see Houston’s Rodeo or explore the Bayou City?

You can use the exact itinerary above in reverse order.

The best route from Austin to Houston to explore nature, enjoy hiking trails, and see some of Texas countryside is US-290W.

Be prepared to keep at least an hour of buffer for the driving time Austin to Houston, TX if taking the I-10E.

Things to do in Houston, Texas

Downtown Houston has many amazing attractions for all kinds of visitors.

In the Museum District, you will find museums such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and The Children’s Museum.

At the Houston Space Center, you can enjoy an extraordinary experience; from simulated mission control rooms to seeing rockets, NASA has it all.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Discovery Park and Buffalo Bayou are perfect destinations.

Visitors can hike the nature trails or canoe or kayak down the waterways at these parks.

What is your favorite stop on the Houston to Austin drive?

Did we miss any amazing things to do between Houston and Austin? Let us know below!

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Austin, San Antonia, Houston or Dallas ? Which city is best? - Texas Forum

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Austin, San Antonia, Houston or Dallas ? Which city is best?

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I have lived in both Houston and Dallas and prefer Houston, but both are large cities much like other large cities in the U.S. Houston has some wonderful neighborhoods, shopping, a great art and theater scene, and wonderful restaurants, but it may not give you what you want in terms of a "Texas experience".

You may want to consider Dallas along with Ft. Worth though. September isn't really the big rodeo season (March is the time to be in Texas for big rodeos in Houston and Austin), but Ft. Worth has cowboy things going on all the time. Another option for cowboy culture is Bandera, which is west of San Antonio. It bills itself as the Cowboy Capital of the World.

Austin and San Antonio is a popular combination because these two cities are more uniquely Texan than the others. Austin is the state capital, and while you mentioned you weren't interested in history, Texas' history is what makes it special, so at least visit the state capitol building for a brief tour before going out to experience Austin's nightlife and food scene. San Antonio is probably the most visited city in Texas and provides lots of visitors to do. Again, history is important here, the old Spanish missions are worth seeing, while also spending time along the famous Riverwalk . Lots of information is available in the forums for these individuial cities, so do some research to see if they interest you and then pop back in with questions.

Excellent advice from Mr. Ted, and I agree with him 100%!

My opinion of the cities are such:

Houston - Big City with less soul/history that DFW. Some great museums and culture like ballet and opera. Some great, world class restaurants. Spread out, southern California freeway type of vibe. Galveston is about an hour away if you want to get to the coast. NASA is cool if you're into space stuff.

Austin - Medium size college / state capital with a hip liberal, hippy, music, ecology, vegetarian vibe. Great music, food trucks and lots of fun restaurants. Near to the Hill country with vineyards and rivers to swim in.

San Antonio - Big city with a small town feel. Historical and relaxing. Lot's of working poor so lots of down to earth restaurants and ice houses (beer bars.) Beautiful riverwalk, slow paced. Also close to the Hill Country (nice triangel between SA-Hill Country-Austin. Some great authentic dance halls nearby. Musically there are two camps - Tejano/Conjunto working class Mexican/American music and Austin spillover. You'll find some great acts without the large crowds of Austin.

SA has Sea World , Fiesta Texas , and (30 min north) Schlitterbahn (World Class water Park.)

Now for the disclaimer - I'm biased to SA and the Hill Country, Austin is second favorite, Fort worth next and a tie at last for Dallas and Houston.

You could always add another week and visit them all! :) Come enjoy Texas.

If a dude ranch stay would interest you, go to http://www.duderanches.com and click on the Texas link. There are several places listed there in the Hill Country you might enjoy.

Just to keep this on-topic -

Houston is exceptionally diverse for such a young city, and especially by Texas standards. I have been to Chinese restaurants that had no English menu on one side of town for lunch, and eaten crawfish and danced to zydeco music that night on the other side of town. There are amazing Vietnamese restaurants, as well as traditional Mexican food (not Tex-Mex), and some of the best Greek food I have ever had. It's not going to be the stereotypical "Texas" many visitors want to see, and the diversity may be nothing special coming from an international perspective, but its a wonderful place to visit and see a part of Texas you aren't going to see on television or in the movies. If you have a limited amount of time, I would still recommend spending it in San Antonio and Austin.

Dallas is hardly soulless any more than Fort Worth is about ranches and horse culture. Fact is, both cities have a thriving cultural scene with world class museums, performing arts, beautiful arboretums and gardens. And for what it's worth.... the Dallas Cowboys in fact, play in Arlington with practice facilities in Irving . Ranger Baseball is also played in Arlington - both sports are active in September, if you'd care to go to a game.

So, misconceptions out of the way, Dallas does support big business and a fairly large fashion market/industry. Fort Worth on the other hand (30 miles west of Dallas), is more relaxed and home to the Historical Stockyards - once a working stockyard, it was the last major stop for stocking up on supplies before driving cattle northbound on the Chisholm Trail into Kansas. http://www.fortworthstockyards.org/

In general, Texas is divided into 7 geographically unique regions - each has their own allure depending on your interests. I'd suggest browsing the Travel Texas link which gives a reasonable overview to each. It may provide better insight for you to form opinions of each area. http://www.traveltex.com/cities-regions/

Where ever you choose, September will be a beautiful time of year to visit.

(To perhaps lend a little perspective, I had the opportunity to spend time in NSW several years ago. Flew into Sydney and departed Melbourne - wonderful 3 day bus trip between the two cities. Our hotel in Melbourne was in the downtown area. I spent one day just walking around the city. The "feel" of it reminded me of Dallas. Good or bad - that may lend some perspective to it).

For example, Uptown is a terrific area of Dallas but you won't really enjoy and appreciate how interesting and unique it is if you don't walk around and explore a bit. Same with Oak Lawn, Oak Cliff, Deep Ellum, Swiss Avenue, the Arts District. Of course, I also think riding the light rail helps you get a sense of the "other" Dallas that isn't seen from your car while driving down Central or Stemmons.

One of the reasons that San Antonio almost always comes out on top when we talk about best city for tourists is the walkability of the city, most especially the Riverwalk . Austin the same way, as you walk down 6th Street or over on South Congress or down by Lady Bird Johnson lake (still have a hard time not writing Town Lake). One of the great joys of visiting Fort Worth is the walkability of downtown/ Sundance Square and the Stockyards.

To the OP, you have had some very good input and advice from some of the most knowledgeable and active posters on the Texas forum. I hope you can distill out the information you need to ask more questions- as you can see, Texas has so much to offer.

Arrive in Dallas drive to Fort Worth. Stay 1 night

Drive from Fort Worth - Austin. Stay 2 nights

Drive Austin - San Antonio. Stay 2 nights

Drive San Antonio - Houston. Stay 1 night

Thanks guys!

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Austin vs Houston: Comprehensive Showdown for the Best Texas City

, Feb 2, 2024

When considering a move to Texas, it can be difficult to decide between Austin and Houston. Both offer distinct advantages such as different economic opportunities, recreational activities, educational offerings, healthcare availability, climate variability, transportation options, residential areas, and quality of life – so the decision may not have an easy answer. To explore these Texan cities in greater detail with respect to the cost of living, job prospects, etc., this article compares them head-to-head looking at many factors that could influence your choice between Austin vs Houston.

Key Takeaways

• Houston has a lower cost of living than Austin, but with different vibes – Houston is bustling and diverse while Austin offers an outdoor-focused atmosphere.
• Austin provides more economic opportunities due to its tech industry, while Houston’s economy is bolstered by oil & gas companies.
• Both cities offer unique recreational activities and quality-of-life benefits. It comes down to individual preferences when deciding which city best suits you!

Cost of Living Comparison

Houston proves to be a more economical option when discussing the cost of living, especially if you focus on comparing both cities’ downtowns. When looking at the median home price for 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in Houston, it is 15% cheaper than what can be found in Austin. Rent costs are also 30% less expensive here too. Texas residents will find food and healthcare much cheaper around Houston compared to that found near Austin, but its proximity to The Hill Countr+y gives it an advantage. Texan’s unique outdoor experiences make higher costs potentially worthwhile for some people.

City Populations and Vibes

The two cities of Austin and Houston are often compared due to their relatively similar median age population, despite the fact that Houston is much larger. The distinction between them lies in the atmosphere. While Houston has a dynamic cityscape with delicious food options and an eclectic entertainment scene, Austin can be seen as more laid back – earning it its nickname of “Live Music Capital of the World” thanks to its diverse offerings such as live music events, outdoor pursuits and cuisine from all corners of our planet.

Austin’s Laid-Back Vibe

Austin, a city known for its tranquil vibes, has become popular due to the “Keep Austin Weird” motto and welcoming community. With the higher cost of living than other big Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, this could be seen as an issue but its outstanding school district provided by the Austin Independent School District is definitely an asset. To enjoy all that makes up the peaceful atmosphere within the city one can check out Barton Springs, take a tour through the Texas Capitol building, explore Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, or savor some barbecue while attending live music performances. For those who are more into outdoor activities, there’s always Lake Houston in nearby Houston providing fishing expeditions, boating rides, and hiking options.

Houston’s Diverse Energy

Houston, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin, is home to over 7.3 million people in the metro area, creating an urban environment filled with diversity that gives it its own unique atmosphere. From energy days festivals to performing arts venues and other cultural points of interest across Houston’s diverse immigrant populations with different religious backgrounds create an eclectic but welcoming blend of cultures within this dynamic cityscape.

These special events bring together all types of residents regardless of their ethnic or racial identity – fostering celebration for the multicultural spirit found throughout Houston, which sets it apart from any place else.

Economic Opportunities

Houston and Austin are different in the industries that dominate their economies. While tech is more prevalent in Austin, this has led to increased job opportunities, lower unemployment rates, and higher income per capita compared to Houston’s focus on oil and gas industry prospects. Both cities have much to offer when it comes to these two key industrial sectors: both possess significant employment potentials as well as ample investment options for entrepreneurs involved with them. It remains up to the city’s inhabitants where they want to lay down roots for a successful career or business venture!

Austin’s Tech Hub

Austin is renowned for its flourishing tech industry, and numerous major companies have set up there – such as Dell, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Apple, and Tesla. This makes the city a magnet for professionals in search of job opportunities related to technology.

Apart from these international powerhouses, an array of leading startups – EnergyX, SchooLinks, Everly Health, SanaBenefits, and SonderMind. – all innovating their own ideas into reality which has helped Austin earn itself the nickname ‘Tech Hub’. These smaller businesses offer even more career-enhancing prospects that can be found within this vibrant sector.

The growth trend looks likely to continue with the increasingly varied range of jobs available throughout different stages across many disciplines making it possible for ambitious individuals to build outstanding careers in what may soon become America’s newest Silicon Valley: Austin City!

Houston’s Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is deeply ingrained in the identity of Houston, TX – commonly referred to as the “Energy Capital of the World.” This sector makes up between 5-10% of its economy and provides thousands of job opportunities for skilled professionals from all over the globe. Some major players such as Baker Hughes, Shell, BP, BHP Billiton, and CITGO are based in this city. Together they form a world-renowned hub for oil & gas expertise.

Recreational Activities

In both Houston and Austin, the downtowns boast a multitude of recreational activities for residents to enjoy. In particular, their capital city locations possess unique amenities such as outdoor fun, entertainment places, and an impressive array of foods. For example, in Austin, there is well-known live music while Houston offers various arts events plus sports attractions from which to choose. With regard to these two cities, we shall now focus more intently on what leisure offerings can be found in each one’s urban core area.

Austin’s Live Music Scene

Austin is globally renowned as the “Live Music Capital of the World”, thanks to its incredible selection of venues for live music. From bustling bars and pubs, all the way up to large outdoor festivals, there are many places where people can enjoy performances in Austin’s buzzing city limits. Some prominent spots include Broken Spoke, Carousel Lounge, The Continental Club, ACL Live at The Moody Theater & Saxon Pub.

Each year attracts thousands from around the world to take part in one major musical event; The Austin City Limits-ACL Festival which promotes its love affair with vivid culture through a range of different genres presented by both emerging and established artists alike!

Houston’s Arts and Sports

Houston is a culturally diverse city with many performing arts venues, museums, and art galleries that reflect the population. Some of these are highly regarded institutions such as MFAH (Museum of Fine Arts) and Contemporary Art Museum Houston. Pro sports teams like the Texans football team, Astros in baseball, and Rockets in basketball all represent this booming town which also hosts events such as car parades at the annual Bayou City Art Festival along with shows from famous ballet companies every year called The Nutcracker Market.

Education and Healthcare

When contrasting Houston and Austin, two cities renowned for their offerings in education and healthcare, both are at the forefront. These metropolitan areas provide world-class educational establishments as well as access to quality medical services, ensuring residents have all they need available close by. We shall take a look at these two cities’ health care provisions along with educational amenities on offer.

Austin’s Higher Education Institutions

Situated among major cities in Texas, Austin is a hub of higher education that attracts students from all over the world. Notable institutions here include The University of Texas at Austin (which ranks No. 9 nationally for public universities and No. 32 overall), St Edward’s University, Huston-Tillotson University, Concordia University Texas, and Austin Community College. There are also more than a dozen other colleges located in the city itself.

Apart from university-level learning opportunities available to individuals residing or visiting this Texan location, the top-rated educational system managed by the Austin Independent School District guarantees younger scholars receive quality training as well. This school district ensures elementary and high school learners gain access to comprehensive classes throughout their academic journey.

Houston’s Medical Facilities

The city of Houston is renowned for its premier medical facilities, such as Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Health System, and the well-known hospital Houston Methodist. It offers top-notch care in various fields like gynecology, bariatric surgery treatments, and cardiovascular diseases to name a few. Making it worthy enough for US News & World Report rankings due to its advanced clinical practice and research abilities.

Located within this same area lies one of the world’s biggest medical complexes. The Texas Medical Center gives access to highly innovative services along with procedures applied around cutting-edge development that are based on results from precise investigation activities conducted by these healthcare institutions here in Houston.

Climate and Geography

Austin and Houston are both cities in Texas that have similar climates due to their proximity. Summers in both locations tend to be hot, with Austin usually getting slightly less rain than the Gulf-adjacent city of Houston. Lady Bird. Lake provides visitors and residents alike with a great variety of outdoor recreational activities thanks to its varied landscapes. By contrast, people living around Houston benefit from easy access to beautiful beaches along the coastal region, as flat terrain prevails there.

Transportation and Accessibility

Public transportation and car rentals are vital factors in choosing between Austin and Houston. While both cities provide various forms of public transit, a vehicle may be the simplest mode of travel within them. Accessing other parts of Texas from either city can become tricky because rush hour traffic is unavoidable. Fortunately, there exists an economical bus trip connecting these two major hubs that last just over three hours at prices starting as low as $15 dollars, ideal for exploring each one!

Neighborhoods and Suburbs

When it comes to choosing between the neighborhoods and suburbs of Austin and Houston, the cost of living, as well as demographics, are crucial factors. In particular, while the median home sold price in Houston is $327,000, some notable suburban districts like Fulshear or The Woodlands are highly rated areas for living. Austin has an average house rate at a higher point of $544K, predominantly due to pricier parts such as Old West Austin or Barton Hills.

Regarding crime rates across both cities, there’s a difference where Austin tends to be above the state level and Houston takes credit for reducing its occurrences of violent crimes over recent years. All these components along with each city’s unique atmosphere form part of their attraction when considering them respectively.

Quality of Life

When looking into Austin and Houston, quality of life comes to the forefront. Both cities offer their own advantages and disadvantages. These are largely determined by components such as humidity levels, cost of living, traffic in the area, accessibility via public transportation services, and crime rates. While some might find the hot summers coupled with limited transport links off-putting in Austin’s atmosphere—not forgetting its laidback way of life along with a live music scene—conversely, there are drawbacks for those wishing to reside within Houston too. It is particularly warm here, combined with hurricane issues and flooding predicaments Worsened by lower-than-optimal health rankings. On top of that, people may be drawn to this diverse city because it presents an affordable housing market lined up against rich arts and culture attractions on display. Deciding between the two metropolises depends wholly on personal preferences versus aims.

Pros and Cons

Living in Austin provides many unique advantages, such as its celebrated live music environment, inviting atmosphere, and vast selection of outdoor pursuits. Yet the higher cost associated with living here, along with the limited public transportation alternatives, may not be advantageous to everyone.

By contrast, Houston offers great diversity encompassing both city limits plus nearby suburbs. Houses at budget-friendly prices, diverse career opportunities, and considerable art & culture offerings. An extensive system of public transport decreases the need for individual vehicles when commuting around town. Weather patterns and traffic congestion could lead some potential dwellers away from this bustling metropolis.

No matter which city in Texas you choose to call home—Houston or Austin—the experience is sure to be filled with vibrancy and unforgettable memories. While those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere might gravitate towards Austin’s live music scene and laid-back vibe, people seeking an urban lifestyle may find themselves drawn instead by Houston’s diverse energy and bustling environment. Ultimately, each of these cities provides unique experiences tailored to every preference. So whatever choice one makes between them depends on individual priorities and lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are more people moving to houston or austin.

It looks like more people are moving to Austin and Dallas than Houston since 2019, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Is Austin closer to Dallas or Houston?

Houston is only 162 miles away from Austin, while Dallas lies 200 miles southwest. The city of Austin sits closer to Houston than it does to Dallas.

Why did Houston not want the capital in Austin?

Houston wasn’t happy about Austin being chosen as the state capital, as it was remote and potentially hard to defend from Mexican and Indian forces. The choice was primarily made to strengthen the foothold of Texas’ western region at the time.

What is the cost of living difference between Austin and Houston?

On average, housing, food, and healthcare are more expensive in Austin than in Houston by a slight 0.7%. This means that the expenses related to these necessities are higher for those living in Austin compared to their counterparts residing in Houston.

Which city has a better job market for the tech industry?

In the tech industry, Austin is a top destination for job seekers with many employers such as Dell, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple offering positions there. Also, Tesla has numerous employment openings in this city.

About the Author

Last updated: 02/02/2024

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Austin   Travel Guide

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26 Best Things To Do in Austin

With more than 300 days of sunshine, it's no surprise Austinites and many of Austin's top activities are outdoors. From Zilker Metropolitan Park to the Butler Hike and Bike Trail to Mount Bonnell, visitors mingle with dogs on leashes, teens

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Zilker Metropolitan Park Zilker Metropolitan Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Austin City Limits Music Festival transforms Zilker Park for the first two weekends in October. Some attractions like the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and the Zilker Botanical Garden will be closed for those dates. – Catherine Parker

Sitting on the banks of the Colorado River, this beloved park spans more than 350 acres and buoys Austin's reputation as one of the Best Places to Live . Zilker Metropolitan Park shelters some of the city's most popular attractions – from the Zilker Botanical Gardens to Barton Springs Pool – as well as several athletic fields and plenty of open space for strolling. You'll be able to spend a whole day here thanks to a range of activities such as swimming, canoeing or digging for fossils at the Austin Nature and Science Center 's Dino Pit. Art aficionados can peruse the works housed within the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum while garden enthusiasts can peruse the specialty gardens in the Zilker Botanical Garden. After a day spent strolling the park, cool down with a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a 3-acre natural swimming hole. A theater, train for children and sports courts are also on-site. The park hosts several popular events, including the Austin City Limits Musical Festival, the ABC Kite Fest and the holiday Trail of Lights  (each affect the park's accessibility so plan ahead).

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake free

A cherished outdoor space in the center of the city, the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (locals refer to it as the Lady Bird Lake trail) serves as a popular place for runners, walkers and cyclists, for both locals and visitors. The urban path takes visitors along the water's edge and passes by plenty of places to relax and picnic. Part of the trail is a 1.3-mile boardwalk, which offers amazing downtown views along with bronze belts emblazoned with Texas song lyrics. There are several restrooms and water fountains along the path, plus scenic overlooks.

Outdoor enthusiasts raved about the peace and quiet beauty the trail affords. Recent visitors jumped on wherever convenient and enjoyed the trail's views. Most said the trail was busy enough to feel safe. It is also a good place to see the Austin bats . 

Texas Capitol Texas Capitol free

Standing stoically in the heart of central Austin is Texas's legislative center, the State Capitol. Opened in 1888, this landmark (made of Texas sunset red granite) stands 14 feet taller than the  U.S. Capitol  in  Washington, D.C.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Texas Capitol was designated at National Historic Landmark in 1986.

The structure underwent a massive restoration starting in the 1990s, including replacing the zinc statue of the Goddess of Liberty that sits atop the dome with an aluminum one. The restoration also included a 667,000-square-foot underground extension to accommodate how much the state government had grown.

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University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Austin free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visitors should research and purchase parking ahead of their UT event as there is no free parking on campus. Ride-share and public transportation are also options. – Catherine Parker

In addition to being home to 52,000 college students, the University of Texas also shelters several attractions and venues that appeal to residents and visitors alike. Concert-goers head to the newly completed Moody Center for big name musical acts and UT basketball games. Meanwhile, the Bass Concert Hall hosts Broadway shows and smaller traveling acts. The open-air Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium vibrates on UT football game days with seating for more than 100,000 fans.

Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater

Odds are your favorite band has played at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. It's home to the legendary "Austin City Limits" television series, which holds the title of the longest running music series in American television history. The theater seats more than 2,700 people. The balcony level houses the Jack & Jim Gallery, which showcases the portfolio of Jim Marshall, a photographer with a passion for music. If you can't secure seats to a show, take a tour of the venue. The tour covers ACL history along with visiting the galleries. Tours depart from Monday to Saturday at 11 a.m. and last 90 minutes.

Music buffs praise the acoustics at ACL Live, claiming that there is not a bad seat in the house. Others said it was a bucket-list venue, similar to those in Nashville . A few note that some security staff was rude.

Lake Travis Lake Travis

Texas believes bigger is better and its lakes are no exception. Lake Travis is nearly 64 miles long and boasts 271 miles of shoreline. First-time visitors can get a good idea of its scale if they drive by Mansfield Dam, the dam that created Lake Travis while taming the Colorado River. After seeing the massive dam, stop by Mansfield Dam Park for impeccable lake views and activities like picnicking, swimming and scuba diving. Numerous other parks line the lake, offering everything from picnic tables and hiking trails to water sports and swimming. (Note: Hippie Hollow Park is a clothing optional beach and access is restricted to patrons 18 and older.) Travelers who want to enjoy the scenery with a drink should try The Oasis on Lake Travis. It's perched above the lake and calls itself the "Sunset Capital of Texas."

Recent visitors enjoyed their time on the lake, especially when viewing the sunset. It didn't seem to matter too much which park patrons picked, as many of the spots offer clean beaches and good amenities. Some recommended water shoes for slippery and jagged rocks underfoot.  

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Circuit of the Americas Circuit of the Americas

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is primarily a Formula One race track, though it hosts events year-round ranging from motor sports to concerts to its holiday-themed Peppermint Parkway lights display. The Lenovo United States Grand Prix race, which COTA has hosted since 2012, is a three-day Formula One event held in October that features heart-pounding race action paired with top musical acts and immersive experiences for attendees.

Beyond Formula One, COTA also hosts NASCAR and MotoGP events, as well as concerts at the on-site Germania Insurance Amphitheater, the largest outdoor concert venue in Austin. Behind the amphitheater, visitors can head up the COTA Tower for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and racetrack 250 feet below; it costs $35 to visit the observation platform. 

Mount Bonnell Mount Bonnell free

For great views, head to Mount Bonnell at Covert Park, which provides sweeping vistas of the city, Lake Austin and the surrounding hills. The 5.1-acre linear park is home to a 781-foot outcrop, considered one of the highest spots in the area. Mount Bonnell is designated a Texas Historic Landmark and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The point has proven to be an enduring tourist destination since the 1850s.

Recent visitors said Mount Bonnell offers great views that are best on clear days. Others suggested a sunset visit for the top experience. Regardless of when you hike up, make sure to take water. Additionally, make sure to take your valuables with you when you park.

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South Congress Avenue South Congress Avenue free

South Congress Avenue is the section of Congress Avenue after it passes over Lady Bird Lake. With amazing views of the Texas State Capitol , South Congress, or SoCo as the locals call it, plays a vital role in the city's culture. From the murals around every corner – like "Willie for President" (Nelson that is) to the iconic "I Love You So Much" – people are snapping pictures everywhere. Shopping along SoCo ranges from authentic boot shops to curated boutiques attracting both travelers and locals who are in search of conversation-starting outfits. Another top activity is patio dining where you can grab delicious bites from morning to night along with choice vantage points for people-watching. When you're not shopping, eating or strolling, swing by the Continental Club to grab a drink and enjoy some live music.

Recent visitors appreciated their time along SoCo, some for shopping, others for its restaurants or live music. The murals along South Congress are a top must-see for travelers. Others enjoyed the vibe that they described as "Americana."

Blanton Museum of Art Blanton Museum of Art

Located on the  University of Texas at Austin   campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is a must-see for any art enthusiast. It's considered one of the largest university art museums in the country, and is home to more than 21,000 works of art. Its collection of Latin American art (totaling more than 2,000 works) is one of the oldest, largest and most comprehensive collections in the U.S. with artists from Mexico and the Caribbean along with Central and South America. For some first-time visitors, Ellsworth Kelly's "Austin" grabs a lot of attention: "Austin" is a 2,715-square-foot stone structure with colored glass windows. Sometimes referred to as "the Kelly Chapel," this freestanding building features three sets of stained-glass windows, a totemic wood sculpture and 14 marble panels hanging on its interior walls.

In May 2023, the museum unveiled several new exterior features, including shade structures that stand three stories tall and look like flower petals; an outdoor sound gallery; a path that leads to a nearby parking garage, and the Lookout, a large window that allows visitors on the museum's second floor to gaze down at the newly upgraded plaza.

Sixth Street Sixth Street free

A trip to the "Live Music Capital of the World" wouldn't be complete without discovering some of Austin's up-and-coming talent along Sixth Street. After a drastic restoration took place in the 1960s to save the area from its grungy reputation, it became the hub of Austin's music scene in the 1970s. Today, Sixth Street between Congress Street and Interstate 35 (known as Dirty Sixth to locals) is the center of the musical action in Austin. The area buzzes with activity from shops, restaurants, bars and live music joints, such as Maggie Mae's, Pete's Dueling Piano Bar and the historic hotel, The Driskill (rumored to be haunted).

Another standout is Esther's Follies, a longstanding Texas tradition that combines comedy, music and magic. The show began in 1977 and still showcases its satirical blend of politics and pop culture .

LBJ Presidential Library LBJ Presidential Library

U.S. News Insider Tip : Visitors should be mindful of the University of Texas home football games since the LBJ library is in the same area. Traffic will congested and the ride-share drop-off location will be closed. – Catherine Parker

While the thought of visiting a presidential library may sound like a bore, this one is an exception. Dedicated to the 36th president of the United States, the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library houses all the expected artifacts – such as presidential papers – as well as several quirkier exhibits like LBJ's limousine. Visitors wander from a display depicting the day he became president (after John F. Kennedy’s assassination) to his oval office to a talking LBJ animatronic that tells tales. In addition to the wealth of information about the president, you can learn about former first lady Lady Bird Johnson in both a gallery about her and her former office.

Barton Springs Pool Barton Springs Pool

Nestled in  Zilker Metropolitan Park , Barton Springs Pool has been a favorite swimming hole for locals and out-of-towners for generations. Native Americans used the springs for thousands of years before European colonists arrived. William Barton first developed it as a swimming hole in the 1830s. Fed by underground springs, the 3-acre pool consistently stays between 68 and 70 degrees. The grounds also feature grass areas for lounging, bathhouses and an educational exhibit about the history of the Barton Springs, including its endangered salamander.

Recent swimmers said the experience is one of the things that makes Austin unique. Even on a hot summer afternoon, the water felt a bit cold (especially for little kids), according to reviews. Some suggested wearing water shoes. Multiple visitors also warn of sizeable crowds and recommend arriving early.

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Bullock Texas State History Museum Bullock Texas State History Museum

Named for Texas's 38th lieutenant governor, the Bullock Texas State History Museum explores the Lone Star State's vibrant past with artifacts ranging from the original Goddess of Liberty statue that resided at the top of the  State Capitol's dome to a 1960s missile control console from the space center in Houston . Along with galleries featuring more than 700 artifacts, the museum features rotating special exhibits to reflect the diverse history of Texas. The museum is also home to the largest IMAX screen in the state as well as the Texas Spirit Theater, a cafe with an outdoor patio and a souvenir shop. 

Native Texans and out-of-towners alike say the museum has a good layout and many recommend setting aside a few hours to take in all there is to see. Moviegoers enjoyed their IMAX experience.

Rainey Street Rainey Street free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Grab one of Austin's scooters, a pedicab or walk to Rainey Street, especially on weekend nights. Traffic can grind to a standstill and cheap parking is nonexistent. Catherine Parker

As the Live Music Capital, Austin offers more than one entertainment district. Sixth Street oozes into Fourth's Warehouse District, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with bars and clubs. South Congress Avenue across Lady Bird Lake offers more dining and boutique shopping paired with classics like The Continental Club. Meanwhile, Rainey Street attracts a younger crowd, blending dog-walking locals cutting out early with visitors in town for a bleisure trip. This area features many of its original bungalows repurposed into venues and restaurants. The vibe might be laid-back, but the sound systems are cranked up. In between venues, Austin's ubiquitous food trucks offer a sampling of the city's dining scene. Several high-rise hotels cast their shadows down on Rainey, such as  Hotel Van Zandt , and the Austin Convention Center is nearby.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Named for its co-founder Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson (wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson ), the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the place to visit if you're a flower enthusiast. The former first lady co-founded the center with Helen Hayes to educate others about the benefits of planting native plants, a project that has revolutionized gardening habits in central Texas. The center features North America's most diverse collection of Texas native plants. Visitors flock from all over the country to enjoy more than 900 species of Texan flora – including bluebonnets and evening primrose – that flourish on more than 280 acres of gardens. There are also walking trails and an observation tower. The 16-acre arboretum features 50 types of oaks found in Texas. For the kids in the group, head to the Luci and Ian Family garden for play structures and a maze.

Visitors say it's pretty year-round, but the spring and early summer provide the best chance to see the most flowers in bloom. They advise spending an hour or two here and to bring the kids so they can explore.

Austin Bats Austin Bats free

According to experts, Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Approximately 1.5 million bats make the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge their home for part of each year. The bats settled here after a renovation of the bridge in 1980 created crevices that were perfect for bats to take refuge in against predators. Every spring, the Mexican free-tailed bats migrate north to the bridge to give birth and raise their babies. Come summertime, the bats can be seen each evening at dusk as they emerge for their nightly excursions to rid the city of pesky insects before heading back to central Mexico in the fall.  Evening kayak trips on Lady Bird Lake are a great way to observe the bats. Alternatively, head to the Statesmen Bat Observation Center (free) to watch: It's located next to the bridge on the south side of Lady Bird Lake.

Past visitors and locals alike who have taken the time to watch the bats say it's an interesting sight to see. Others remind future travelers that the bats are a natural phenomenon and therefore unpredictable, so you could be waiting a while. Many said to arrive early to grab a prime spot to watch.

The Contemporary Austin The Contemporary Austin

The first thing to realize when planning a visit to The Contemporary Austin is that the art museum actually occupies two separate sites that are miles from each other. There's the west side Laguna Gloria and the downtown Jones Center. The 14-acre Laguna Gloria houses the Art School at Laguna Gloria and is a beloved location for its art-in-nature setting. Laguna Gloria also houses the historic 1916 Driscoll Villa and the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park. Most of the sculptures at Laguna Gloria are outdoors, and fans of modern art will appreciate the beauty of its location close to Lake Austin.

Set on the corner of Congress Avenue and 7th Street, the Jones Center is hard to miss with neon script glowing from Jim Hodges's "With Liberty and Justice for All (A Work in Progress)" steel installation. The 8,000-foot Jones Center features two floors, including the Moody Rooftop, a favorite for views. This facility offers a robust calendar with exhibitions and films.   

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UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum

The works of Charles Umlauf, a University of Texas art professor for 40 years, intermingle with native Texas landscaping and water features on Umlauf's former property. Umlauf and his wife, Angeline, gifted their property, house and Charles' studio along with 168 sculptures to the City of Austin in 1985. The garden features 59 of Umlauf's sculptures, mainly in bronze using the lost wax method. The collection also includes thousands of his drawings.

Recent visitors called the garden "peaceful," particularly noting the sounds of water as they strolled. Most guests advised it would take about an hour to see the sculptures.

Elisabet Ney Museum Elisabet Ney Museum free

Back in 1892, Elisabet Ney, a German-born sculpture artist, built a neoclassical limestone home and studio in Austin's Hyde Park neighborhood that ultimately earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. She went on to create sculptures of notable Texans, like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston (both namesakes to Texas cities). Those life-sized marbles statues can be found in the Texas State Capitol foyer, blocks away. The Elisabet Ney Museum includes sculptural works, maquettes, medallions and some of Ney's personal effects and furniture. Located just north of the University of Texas , the castle-like home is one of the Hyde Park's must-sees. It sits on 2.5 acres of a restored Texas prairie that features native plants similar to what Ney would have seen upon arriving in Austin in the late 1800s.

This "hidden treasure" museum attracts many art lovers, who don't mind making the trek north of downtown. Several of the visitors were intrigued by the noted female artist working in the late 1800s Texas, when that was uncommon. Museum-goers enjoyed the grounds and the unique home.

Mexic-Arte Museum Mexic-Arte Museum

The Mexic-Arte Museum is devoted to the conservation of Mexican, Latinx and Latin American art and culture, including artists based in Texas. It's home to a permanent collection of more than 5,000 contemporary works, which includes photographs, sculptures, decorative arts and Mexican dance masks as well as works from local artists. The museum also hosts theatrical and musical performances year-round. 

Recent travelers said the museum was a pleasant surprise and recommend stopping in the eclectic gift shop. Many described the museum as "small, but mighty." Most recent visitors said it took about an hour to explore the collection.

Austin Nature & Science Center Austin Nature & Science Center free

Nestled in a corner of Zilker Park , the Austin Nature & Science Center cultivates a passion for the outdoors, especially for kids. The center provides hands-on exhibits designed to foster connections with the natural environment. One outdoor option is the Forest Trail, which includes information about the 45 types of native trees planted along the path. Visitors with kids should not miss the Dino Pit, which allows children to dig up an assortment of fossil casts, introducing them to paleontology. The Austin Nature & Science Center also houses several animal exhibits, including small fish, reptiles, birds of prey and mammals like bobcats. Additionally, visitors can observe a honeybee hive and walk along the pond.

Travelers appreciate how well the park caters to children, as the array of exhibits are sure to keep even the antsiest kids entertained. Several parents comment their kids spent hours wandering around the facility, especially the Dino Pit. Several recommend bringing hats and water bottles on hot days.

The Domain The Domain free

For high-end boutique shopping in Austin, head to The Domain, a collection of more than 100 retailers sheltered in an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment district in North Austin. Neiman Marcus anchors the center, but shoppers will also find Tiffany & Co., Gucci and Louis Vuitton. In addition to luxury shops, The Domain offers more affordable staples like H&M, Macy's and Zara. Shopping isn't the only activity here: Travelers will also find the Museum of Ice Cream at The Domain, where visitors can learn about the history of ice cream in 12 different multi-sensory exhibits and enjoy unlimited ice cream treats. Located adjacent, the Domain Northside's Rock Rose District offers a strip of bars and eateries ranging from Velvet Taco to Lavaca Street Bar.

The Domain also houses four different lodging options:  The Westin Austin at The Domain ; the retro-inspired Lone Star Court; The Archer Hotel , a dog-friendly boutique property; and Aloft Austin at The Domain.

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Mayfield Park and Preserve Mayfield Park and Preserve free

Despite its listing on the National Registry of Historic Places, Mayfield Park and Preserve attracts travelers primarily because of its exorbitant population of peacocks (around two dozen!). The peafowl roam the entire park; keep your eyes peeled as you explore and don't forget to look in trees and on roofs. The historical cottage and gardens sit in a 2-acre parcel of land, which Mary Mayfield Gutsch donated to the city of Austin in 1971. There are plenty of ponds and gardens to explore. Mayfield Preserve is a 21-acre natural landscape that travelers can access via walking trails.

The beautiful peacocks, who stayed relatively calm despite the steady stream of gawkers, impressed past visitors. Several parkgoers were able to snag photos of the peacocks spreading their feathers. Keep in mind a visit here in summer could get hot, so bring plenty of water.

McKinney Falls State Park McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls is a nature fix for many Austinites. Onion Creek provides spots for swimming on hot summer days. As a bonus, fishing is allowed and you don't need a state fishing license. In addition to the creek, nearly 9 miles of trails take hikers and bikers around the park's limestone formations and wooded areas. After an active day, visitors at McKinney Falls can wind down at one of the park's 81 campsites or six cabins.  

Parkgoers recommend checking out both the upper and lower falls, calling both beautiful. Travelers also suggest planning your trip to coincide with the wet season (spring) to see the waterfalls at their best.

Thinkery Thinkery

Consider Thinkery Austin's children's museum. It offers activities that combine science, technology, engineering, arts and math, aimed at children up to age 11. Permanent exhibits at Thinkery range from Train Town and the Fresh! Farmers Market to Innovators' Workshop to Currents, which focuses on water. The museum also houses an enormous outdoor playground for kids to enjoy. In all, the Thinkery offers 40,000-square feet of space for babies, toddlers and kids to explore with their people.

Recent visitors appreciated Thinkery's assortment of hands-on activities, which they claimed did an excellent job of keeping children entertained. Museumgoers also recommend bringing a change of clothes, as the museum's water exhibit may soak your children. Overall, the museum makes an excellent destination on a rainy (or exceptionally hot) day in Austin.

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Dallas vs Houston: Which City Should You Visit?

The Big D and H-Town have a rivalry going for generations. They’re both proud of their Texan culture and whether you choose to visit Dallas or Houston, you’ll find a city bursting with interesting things to do. Both cities have a great sports culture as well no matter what you want to watch from football to baseball to basketball.

However, there is a unique feel to each area.

Here’s what to know about Houston vs Dallas if you’re still on the fence about where to trek for a trip!

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Choose Houston if…

You want to experience rodeo season..

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a colossal event every year.

It attracts millions of people from all corners of the world. In fact, it is the largest livestock exhibition in the entire world. If you want to steep yourself in the soul of Western culture this is the spot to be.

This event carries on for more than 3 weeks and you can see all of the heavy hitters in the rodeo world perform here. The economic impact has been likened to the equivalent to hosting the Super Bowl every year.

Lots of great musicians are also invited to perform every year, so if barrel riding isn’t your thing you might also be able to catch some great artists instead!

You’re a museum buff.

The Museum District is extremely popular for tourists and locals alike, and the network of museums is incredible in Houston. The main attraction is the NASA Space Center, of course. NASA has left such an imprint on this city that you will find dedications to flight, outer space, and mechanical engineering all over town.

There is a great gallery of exhibits for whatever you’re interested in. A wide array of these museums have free admission or time slots available for free admission which makes it a really great, inexpensive way to see the city.

You want a more photogenic location.

If your travels aren’t on the ‘gram, were you really even there?! (Just kidding. Sort of.) Houston has so many great Instagram-worthy spots filled with colorful street art, picturesque skylines, and rooftop views. There are so many great spots to get dressed up to take pictures and document your travels.

Whether it’s the WaterWall or a spot off the Houston Mural Map you’re bound to get some great snapshots of the city!

Choose Dallas if…

You want more parks and greenery..

Dallas has one of the largest municipal park systems in the country and is the clear winner on this front in the Dallas vs Houston debate.

In fact, Dallas has the benefit of having a state park situated near the city center. Additionally, parks and green spaces can be found in abundance.

One of the best Dallas attractions, Klyde Warren Park, is a small park built quite literally on top of a freeway! It feels that the city is very conscious of having greenery implemented throughout the city.

There are tons of hiking trails that are beginner-friendly, so you’ll have a chance to get outside regardless of skill level.

You want to experience fair season at the Texas State Fair.

The Texas State Fair is a massive, month-long party at Fair Park. It is the largest State Fair in the country with over 2 million attendees flocking to get in on all of the fun.

I’d definitely make a trip to Dallas just for the fair. They have all sorts of great events, food, and rides. It feels like being a kid again when you walk in!

You want more of a “small-town” feel.

Because the city is so spread out, and neighboring Ft. Worth has done such a good job of preserving its community feel, most of the city feels very cozy and close-knit. There are neighborhoods like Lower Greenville and Deep Ellum that are so great for walking around and bar hopping.

So many attractions are spread out so it never feels claustrophobic in one area, the city just feels so open and free.

Visit Dallas or Houston if…

You love sports..

Houston and Dallas both have a crazy sports culture. Whether it’s cheering on Cowboy Country or screaming the lyrics to “Deep in the Heart of Texas” at NRG Stadium, the feeling is so exhilarating. There is just something special about watching live sports in a place where everyone is so passionate.

College sports are also huge in Texas, the tailgates are always amazing. If you’re looking for an action-packed sports weekend, either Houston or Dallas will have you covered.

You want a family-friendly vacation spot.

Both cities have so many accommodations for families, whether it be free admission in museums for kids, or the youth ranger programs in the state parks.

There are several activities dedicated just to children in both cities, so it really can please even the pickiest of kids. There are great odes to western culture through rodeos, stables, and farms that are unique to Texas.

You can visit and even stay at working ranches, or go to a local stable and ride horses on the trails, it is a great way to experience a slower-paced vacation with the family!

You want a budget-friendly option.

Traveling to major cities can often rack up quite the bill. Whether you choose Dallas or Houston to visit, you’ll find many free or low-cost attractions.

Everything from museums to free festivals and events in the parks makes it a great option if you are on a budget. Both cities also have options like CityPass which bundle multiple attractions in one at a discounted price.

Houston vs Dallas: Should You Visit Both?

Both cities are definitely worth the visit for their unique traits. They have so much to offer in terms of art, history, and most importantly: food! I think for the food alone you should visit both spots. 

Houston has the NASA Space Center whereas Dallas has The Museum of Art.

Both are great options so why choose? If you have the time and capacity, definitely visit both.

Dallas vs Houston: The Final Decision

Most people in Texas rep their city hard. I am no exception. Despite the beauties of both cities I definitely prefer Dallas more as a vacation spot and as a place to set down roots!

Dallas has so many cool events happening and because several of them aren’t as mainstream yet you don’t get swallowed by a crowd. The smaller festivals and attractions are more digestible because there aren’t huge lines and photo ops everywhere. You can simply enjoy it and feel like you’re a part of the larger community.

You’ll definitely find Houston fans everywhere (it is the land of Beyoncé after all!).

Whichever city you choose to visit, or even if you choose both, you’ll have a great time! Have a good time…deep in the heart of Texas!….. (clap, clap, clap).

3 thoughts on “Dallas vs Houston: Which City Should You Visit?”

Dallas Museum of Art? I guess in Houston Museum District you missed the giant mult-block Houston Art Museum. As for greener Houston has many giant oak trees and tall pine trees. I was born in Dallas and moved to Houston. Oh, also, Houston’s Theatre District is second behind Broadway in size. Houston is also far more culturally diverse and is the most diverse city in the USA. Nothing like real Chinese food in China-town or Korean food in Little Korea or real Indian food in Little India or any real European foods in any of of the little areas. I prefer Houston as a destination. But, I’d also add in a trip to San Antonio while here.

Being from Boston I wanted a Texas Adventure! Spent a week in Dallas & a week in Houston! Should have spent the whole time in Dallas! Dallas was alive & vibrant! Houston was boring & depressing! Dallas has so many venues to see & go to plus so many wonderful suburbs, {Arlington, {hosting a Six Flags}, Irving, Ft Worth, Grapevine, Frisco & Plano just to name a few}, whereas Houston is quite limited! Dallas has the Dallas Arboretum & The Galleria Dallas every day & the world’s largest state fair for a month in the fall! Dallas is a very clean & beautiful city, whereas Houston dark & dirty!

Being from Houston, I might be a bit biased…but still, I’ve spent a bunch of time in both cities, and I gotta give it to Houston for sure. Yea, Dallas is more organized and a bit cleaner…but Houston is just a much better experience. The main difference is that Houston never tries to be anything that it isn’t, whereas Dallas tries far too hard to please everyone, mostly the well-to-do’s.

You’ll have a decent time in both cities, but Dallas’ pretentiousness is sure to turn a lot of folks off.

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Austin Vs. Houston: Which City Is Better To Live In?

The Lone Star State has three major cities that people tend to move: Dallas, Houston, and Austin. When it comes to Houston and Austin, the issue of choosing one of these two cities tends to be a little tough. After all, they look pretty similar on paper and they are both in the same state. So, what’s up with these cities? Which is better?

Houston and Austin both have low real estate costs as well as a lot of amenities such as easy food access and entertainment. However, Austin has more jobs, a stronger economy, and a lower crime rate. As a result, most people prefer to live in Austin.

Don’t get us wrong. Both Austin and Houston have plenty to offer the right person or family moving in. It’s just a matter of knowing which one will be best for you…

Which City Is Better: Houston Or Austin?

Austin and Houston both have their perks and pitfalls. While the differences may be more subtle than, say Dallas and Seattle, the truth is that you can get a lot of mileage from here. Let’s take a look at all the major factors.

Quality Of Life

Both Houston and Austin offer a rich quality of life that one would expect to see from a major city. There are amenities galore and lots of things to discover around every corner. Since the culture tends to be equally friendly, it tends to be hard to measure out the “soft factors” of each city.

Winner: Tied

Cost Of Living

The difference in the cost of living between these two Texas cities is vast. The city of Houston has a cost of living index of 96.4, putting it slightly below the average cost of living nationwide. Meanwhile, Austin is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living of 114.6, making it about 10 percent more expensive than what you would get in a typical place.

Winner: Houston

Housing Costs

Housing is going to be your biggest expense, no matter where you live. In Houston, housing is over 30 percent cheaper than what you would pay for a comparable home in Austin. As a result, most people who want to own a home head to Houston rather than Austin. If you want to rent, then it makes more sense to head to Austin.

Texas is seeing a massive influx of major companies eyeing its cities, but where the cities are starting to actually get those businesses is starting to vary. Houston and Austin are not growing at the same rate. For one reason or another, Houston is lagging behind most other major cities in the Lone Star State.

It’s hard to tell why Houston is not getting the love it should when it comes to new business. Either way, Houston’s wages are far lower than Austin’s on average. As a result, it’s kind of a struggle here. Higher poverty rates are in Houston, too.

Texans generally have similar cultures from city to city. There’s a lot of Southern friendliness, a deep love of sports, and a lot of excellent taste in food to go around. If you’re a fan of delicious barbecues, Whataburger, and the classic Texan sense of humor, either city is going to have the right social climate for you.

Leisure/Entertainment

Both Austin and Houston have similar levels of entertainment. Each city has culturally significant museums, an arts district, as well as several major concert venues. While they are not as big a nightlife city as Dallas, both of the cities in question have a decent nightlife scene as well.

Unlike the stereotype that many Northerners have about Houston and Austin, you don’t have to be a fan of country or jazz to enjoy the clubs here. There are plenty of techno lounges, EDM venues, and hip hop lounges that you can choose from too.

Transportation

Both Austin and Houston have been kicking their public transit up a notch, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Most people in both cities tend to drive their own cars. Sadly, the roadways aren’t evenly built, if you know what I mean. Houston, once again, takes the bottom rung by having a commuting time of 27 minutes. This is above the national average.

Austin, on the other hand, has a below-average commute time of 24 minutes. This means living in Austin is easier on the wristwatch and easier on your car.

Winner: Austin

Demographics

Houston and Austin both have a fairly balanced amount of diversity. However, there are differences here, too. Austin has a white population of 48.5 percent. Meanwhile, Houston has only 24.9 percent of its population composed of white individuals. Houston’s largest portion of the population is Latinx, composing over 60 percent of the population.

While they are both highly diverse areas known for accepting people from all walks of life, we’re going to side with Houston on this.

No matter how you slice it or dice it, Austin blows Houston out of the water on every educational front. Austin spends more per student, has fewer students per teacher, and also has better graduation rates than what you would find in Houston. Houston has around 78 percent of its population graduate from high school, while Austin has around 88 percent of its population graduate.

Even when you take a look at after-school programs and curriculum-related standards, Austin quickly takes the prize. If you want your kids to get a good education, stick to Austin.

Both Houston and Austin have warm, dry weather for most of the year. However, there is a slight difference between the two, if you want to get nuanced with it. Austin has slightly fewer rainy days and a slightly more sunny environment. There’s also less humidity in Austin’s air. This makes Austin ever so slightly more comfortable than Houston.

Crime Rates

While researching this issue, one thing really stood out to us. Austin is a lot safer than Houston when it comes to both violent and property crime. While both are above the national average, Houston has a much higher violent crime rate. Robberies, thefts, and car thefts are all fairly common.

It’s important to remember that both of these cities have large populations. That means that there is some gang activity in each. Houston, though, has a worse reputation for gang activity than Austin does. Unless their police force steps up, it’s going to be a long road to safety.

The Verdict

We really don’t mean to hate on Houston, but it’s really hard to ignore how the numbers make this city look when compared to a city like Austin. By every definition, Austin is a great place to live. It is, in fact, one of the top up-and-coming cities in Texas. Houston, on the other hand, isn’t. It’s a city that’s struggling to keep up in the Texan Renaissance that’s currently happening.

As of right now, it’s clear that moving to Austin is the better choice for most people. This is especially true if you want to have a family in the near future. However, we’re not psychic. You never know what will happen in the future, so don’t assume that Houston is a lost cause yet!

Related Questions

Are there any tv shows that are related to austin, tx.

This Texan city has a ton of television shows that are meant to relate to the town’s culture…or that just act as a backdrop for it. Some of the more popular titles that are related to Austin’s world include King of the Hill, Austin City Limits, American Crime , and  Fear the Walking Dead.  Don’t worry, not all of the shows that involve dark elements have anything to do with the real Austin. It’s actually a nice city.

How much do you need in order to live comfortably in Austin?

Though Austin is considered to be a good place to live, you don’t necessarily need to make a lot to cover your basics. In order for a single adults to support themselves, they would need $21,700 according to the MIT lifestyle calculator. Due to the fact that Texas is seen as one of the more affordable states to live in, it’s safe to say that this is a more affordable place to raise kids.

Is 60K considered to be a good salary in Austin?

Absolutely. That’s enough to support a family of five on a single income. However, we want to add a small caveat to this. At the time of the writing of this article, $60,000 was a remarkably good income. The thing that you need to be aware of is that Austin is rapidly changing and the typical salary in the area is getting explosively high. So in a couple of years, that same salary might not be enough for the lifestyle that you want to live right now.

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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Austin vs Houston: 8 Things to Know BEFORE Moving

Texas is big, and it's getting bigger. Growing at a rate more than double the rest of the country, the Lone Star State population is fast approaching the 30 million mark. So, where are all these new Texans living?

Throughout the past few years, folks have been moving to Houston and Austin in record numbers, trailing only the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area in recent population growth. Many considerations factor into where someone decides to live, particularly as they relate to the specific differences between these two major cities.

Despite being relatively close to one another, the contrast between Austin vs. Houston can be stark—compact vs. sprawling, t-shirts vs. neckties, "opry" vs. opera, you get the idea. Though both make the list of best cities to live in Texas, each has its own unique "flavor."

Austin is the state's capital, located smack-dab in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. It's positioned along the I-35 corridor, about 80 miles north of the city of San Antonio and just over 200 miles south of the Dallas metro area .

The Colorado River flows through the heart of town, forming a chain of lakes that provide Austinites with ample outdoor recreational opportunities. And the weather in Austin is tailor-made for playing outside, with hot summers, mild winters, and annual rainfall totals slightly below the national average.

Long known for fostering a culture of creativity, the city of Austin maintains a laid-back vibe, perhaps best personified by its unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." For a faster pace, a 3-hour drive to the east puts you in Houston, located on the flat prairies just inland from the Gulf Coast. As expected, Houston's weather is typically tropical.

The city of Houston is home to an astonishing 6 million people in its greater metropolitan area, with 2.5 million of those inside the city limits, making it the 4th largest city in the United States. Space City, as it’s known, boasts vibrant theater and museum districts, and several professional sports teams call Houston home.

If you're one of the thousands of people planning a move to Texas in the coming year, you may face the question of Austin or Houston. Let's explore the economy, education, lifestyle, and other factors that distinguish the two cities from one another. Hopefully, this article will help make your choice between Austin vs. Houston a little easier.

Austin vs. Houston: Cost Of Living

Affordability is a foremost concern when deciding where to move, with the Austin vs. Houston cost of living question being a top consideration for folks trying to choose between the two.

Not surprisingly, the most significant differences in the cost of living between Austin and Houston are in the housing market. Consider rent prices, for instance. The cost of renting downtown in either city is appreciably more expensive than the market average for suburban rentals. However, those moving to Austin will find downtown rent near double the city’s market average and about 30% higher than downtown rent in Houston.

The difference in rental costs between the two cities is much less glaring in the suburbs, where Austin rent runs about 12% more than similar areas in Houston. That said, there are certainly affordable suburbs in the Austin area , just as there are around Houston.

Home prices differ substantially between the two cities as well. The median home price for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house in Austin is about 15% more expensive than in Houston. Let’s look at housing costs in more detail, as well as some other facts and figures related to the Austin vs. Houston cost of living question.

Cost of Living in Austin

Austin’s population has skyrocketed over the past decade. As is often the case, rapid growth brings increased prices. That’s happening in Austin now, with Austin’s cost of living currently above the national average in many categories.

Here’s an estimated breakdown of some living expenses in Austin that exceed those in Houston:

Median Housing Costs

• 2-bedroom apartment rent: $1,520
• 3BR 2BA home price: $347,906

Average Food Costs

• Bread: $3.33
• Dozen eggs: $1.79
• Gallon of milk: $1.78

Healthcare Costs

• Doctor visit: $123.25
• Dentist visit: $112.33

Source: NerdWallet Cost of Living Calculator | Austin, TX

Cost of Living in Houston

Houston is enjoying something of a boom itself, though nowhere near the growth Austin is currently experiencing. One of the biggest drivers behind Houston’s popularity is Houston’s cost of living , which falls well below the national average and compares favorably when considering the question of Austin vs. Houston.

Here’s a snapshot of estimated costs to show how much lower prices tend to be in Houston than in Austin:

• 2-bedroom apartment rent: $1,269
• 3BR 2BA home price: $295,289
• Bread: $3.01
• Dozen eggs: $1.15
• Gallon of milk: $1.29
• Doctor visit: $85.83
• Dentist visit: $95.70

Source: NerdWallet Cost of Living Calculator | Houston, TX

Which Should You Choose?

As you can see, significant cost of living concerns between the two cities include housing and healthcare.

Houston, with its highly-respected Medical Center, might be the best choice if ongoing health-related expenses are anticipated. Similarly, homebuyers may find moving to Houston to make financial sense because of its substantially lower home prices. Austin's real estate market supports high home prices due to its compact size putting land at a premium, but Houston has the advantage of having much more land area to build on.

On the other hand, if a sizzling job market and higher-than-average salaries outweigh your cost of living concerns, then Austin is undoubtedly worth a look, as we’ll see in the next section.

Austin vs. Houston: Job Opportunities

Comparing the job market in Austin vs. Houston, both cities have plentiful opportunities. Austin’s tech boom and an influx of venture capital have resulted in stunning economic numbers for that city. Though not surging to quite the same degree as its westerly neighbor, Houston is also seeing decent job growth.

While its reputation shines as an up-and-coming technology hub, Austin’s economy remains diversified. Top industries include professional, scientific, and technical services, educational services, health care, and social assistance.

On the other hand, Houston has long been the center of the country’s oil and gas industry. Other leading business sectors include health care, aerospace, and the leisure and hospitality industry. Let’s compare job growth and opportunities, average salaries, and top employers in each city.

Job Opportunities in Austin

According to the Wall Street Journal, Austin is one of America’s hottest job markets . That honor is undoubtedly driven by Austin’s recent tech industry boom. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google are hiring. So are Dell, Oracle, and other tech giants.

Maybe you’ve heard of Tesla? Their “Gigafactory” and global headquarters cover 2,500 acres in the state’s capital city. Moving to Austin also puts you near the University of Texas, home to plentiful job opportunities in education and administration.

Here’s a quick snapshot of Austin’s current job market :

• Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
• Household Income: $63,717
• Recent Job Growth: 3.5%
• Future Job Growth: 47.0%

Job Opportunities in Houston

With its diverse industries, Houston remains one of the nation’s top markets for job seekers. The city continues adding jobs, with ongoing employment opportunities in healthcare, aerospace, oil and gas, and retail.

Top hiring companies include Walmart and H-E-B Grocery Company in the retail sector. Memorial Hermann Health System, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Houston Methodist Hospital are leading employers in healthcare. And top companies in the oil and gas industry include Schlumberger, Shell Oil, and Exxon Mobil, among others.

Here are a few estimates related to Houston’s current job outlook :

• Unemployment Rate: 8.0%
• Household Income: $49,399
• Recent Job Growth: 3.2%
• Future Job Growth: 30.9%

One area where the differences between Austin vs. Houston are particularly evident is in the job market. Moving to Houston might make sense for those seeking employment opportunities in the healthcare or energy sectors.

On the other hand, moving to Austin might be best for jobseekers in science and technology sectors, as well as in government and education. It’s worth considering that the long-term job growth prognosis for Austin remains very healthy.

Austin vs. Houston: Things to Do

When comparing lifestyle and entertainment options for Austin vs. Houston, you’ll soon discover that the two cities offer a very different selection of dining, nightlife, and outdoor opportunities.

Austin is considered by many to be a top foodie destination in Texas, while restaurants in Houston offer a literal culinary world tour. Without a doubt, the two cities have their own unique flavor when it comes to dining options.

What’s your favorite music? Whatever it is, you can bet somebody somewhere in Austin is playing it right now. That’s how diverse the music scene is there. Houston is no slouch, though. There are plenty of live music venues, concerts, and festivals to choose from in The Bayou City.

Both cities provide ample outdoor recreational opportunities. Be it a river, lake, beach, or bayou, folks will find fun on the water in both places. And there’s no shortage of parks and public spaces in either city.

Things To Do in Austin

If the more than 200 live music venues aren’t enough, Austin’s official slogan reminds us that they are indeed the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Furthermore, Austin’s many lakes, rivers, and waterways offer outstanding recreational opportunities, and there’s no shortage of hiking and biking trails. Shopping, niche museums, and a legendary nightlife scene offer plenty of things to do in Austin . As for dining choices, the capital city is well-known for its BBQ and Tex Mex. It also boasts plenty of options for international cuisine, as well as a thriving food truck scene. There’s no shame in moving to Austin just for the food!

Other “must-see, must-do” Austin highlights include:

• The Texas State Capitol
• Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony
• LBJ Presidential Library
• Barton Springs Pool / Zilker Park
• South By Southwest (SXSW)
• Austin City Limits Music Festival

Things To Do in Houston

Houston is a massive multicultural metropolis with literally something for everyone. The Museum District is home to nearly 20 world-class museums, Hermann Park, and the Houston Zoo. Downtown, the Theater District hosts several performing arts venues, the Bayou Place entertainment complex, and numerous restaurants, plazas, and parks. Dining options abound throughout the city, with many international restaurants from which to choose. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities, either. Houston has plenty of parks and public spaces, and the Texas Gulf Coast beaches are just a short drive away.

Houston-area events and attractions include:

• Space Center Houston / Johnson Space Center
• Houston Museum District
• Houston Theater District
• Minute Maid Park
• Houston Zoo
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Both cities offer their own unique attractions. Moving to Austin makes sense if you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, with lots of live music, great food, and outdoor fun.

On the other hand, if a vibrant multicultural dining and entertainment scene is what you’re after, then moving to Houston might be in the cards.

Austin vs. Houston: Schools

For many, the decision about where they move depends largely on the schools in the area. Without a doubt, education is a significant factor in the Austin vs. Houston debate.

Austin has more than 200 public schools and almost 500 private institutions, while there are over 600 public and 1,200 private schools in the Houston area. Numerous school districts serve both metropolitan areas, and both cities are home to several prominent universities and multiple community college campuses.

Schooling Options in Austin

The Austin metropolitan area has more than 700 PK-12 schools across 10 districts. Most of the city is served by the Austin Independent School District (AISD), operating 125 total schools with almost 75,000 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.

• See AISD district boundaries

Other school districts serving the greater Austin area include:

• Eanes Independent School District
• Leander Independent School District
• Dripping Springs Independent School District
• Lake Travis Independent School District
• Round Rock Independent School District

Regarding higher education, Austin is home to over a dozen colleges and universities, including the University of Texas and St. Edward’s.

Schooling Options in Houston

There are over 2,000 total schools, both public and private, in the greater Houston area. Houston Independent School District (HISD) serves most of the city and many surrounding municipalities. HISD is the most extensive public school system in Texas, with 284 schools, over 200,000 students, and nearly 12,000 teachers.

• View HISD district zoning maps

Other school districts surrounding the greater Houston metro include:

• Katy Independent School District
• Spring Branch Independent School District
• Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
• Pearland Independent School District
• Clear Creek Independent School District
• Fort Bend Independent School District

The University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and Rice University call Houston home, as do dozens of smaller colleges and universities.

If a smaller classroom size is an important consideration, Austin offers a student-teacher ratio more than 20% lower on average than schools in the Houston area. On the other hand, if higher education options are a concern, then moving to Houston offers more college and university learning choices.

Austin vs. Houston: Which Is Best For You?

Both places consistently rank among the best cities to live in Texas, and both continue to outpace the rest of the country in terms of population and economic growth. So, the question remains: Austin or Houston?

Moving to Austin will put you in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. With plenty of outdoor activities, downhome dining options, and a honky-tonk seemingly on every corner, Austin is a very Texas-centric town. It’s the state capital, after all. And while home prices have skyrocketed of late, a booming job market and above-average salaries are hallmarks of the Austin economy.

If you’re thinking about moving to Houston , you’ll find a vibrant, fast-paced international city that comes close to offering something for everyone. Theaters, museums, professional sports—Houston has abundant entertainment options. The city has a healthy job market and a strong economy, with a cost of living below the national average.

Both cities have a lot going for them. The decision about where to live ultimately comes down to finding the best fit for you. So, where are you thinking about moving? Which city is best for your specific tastes, preferences, and needs? Hopefully, this article serves as a guide to help you decide between Austin vs. Houston on your big Texas move.

If you're looking for your dream Austin home, contact The RealFX Group at (512) 956-7390 to reach an experienced local real estate agent and discover your new Austin home today.

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Austin vs. Houston

Houston vs. Austin. Energy capital vs. music capital. H-Town vs. ATX.  Both are great cities and though they are just two and a half hours apart, they are night and day in how they compare. When making a move or even just passing through, it is good to get the lay of the land for each city’s personality.

Austin vs. Houston Quick Stats

Houston stats.

• Population Density: 3,842 people per square mile
• Median Household Income: $56,019
• Unemployment: 3.9%
• Median Age: 33.3 years old
• Average Commute: 27 minutes
• Median Home Value: $273,295

Austin Stats

• Population Density: 3006.4 people per square mile
• Median Household Income: $75,752
• Unemployment: 3%
• Median Age: 35 years old
• Average Commute: 24.5 minutes
• Median Home Value: $572,500

Cost of Living Austin vs. Houston

While there are some similarities to living in each of these major Texas cities, the most consequential difference is the cost of living. While entertainment and healthcare costs are lower in Austin, Houston ultimately has a 9% lower cost of living due to lower transportation, food, and housing costs

Size Matters

Houston is a metropolis. The 2022 census cited Houston as having close to 2.3 million residents and being 669 square miles. Austin , with just under 1 million residents has half the population and is one-third the size of Houston. This smaller size allows Austin to feel more like a small town. Austin is very community-driven, and relationships are built on connections. Because Houston is so large, this kind of environment is harder to achieve. Houston is also more spread out with Houston County consisting of 33 smaller cities, while Austin is a small city within Travis County. Though Austin is smaller, it is growing more quickly. Looking at 2010-2020, Austin’s population has grown 33% , while Houston’s has grown only 9.8%.

Houston Economy

With Houston’s large population comes a more varied range of commerce. Houston’s main industries are

This wide range of industries brings more multicultural diversity attracting applicants from all over the world. It is estimated that over 145 languages are spoken by Houston residents.

Austin Economy

Austin is also a notable place to work and is home to companies such as Dell, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Apple, and now Tesla making it the best place to live in Texas if you work in tech, manufacturing, or warehousing. Austin has also built an entire tourism industry around the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” and its world-renowned music scene. Each year roughly 30 million visitors come to see sites like

• The State Capital
• Lady Bird Lake
• The Bat Cave

Major events like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits contribute millions each year to Austin’s economy, too. Austin is also a great place to live if you work in government, education, or are a startup company. The city is full of mom-and-pop shops and local businesses that residents rally around to help succeed.

Differing Topography

Both towns have varied topography. Austin is part of the greater region known as the Texas Hill Country. To its south, you have beauties such as Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, and Wimberly. Within the city, you have the option to get out on Lake Travis or Lake Austin. These bodies of water and surrounding towns make for some great outdoor fun. On any given day you could find yourself hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, or fishing. Houston is located along the Gulf Coastal Plains and just 50 miles northwest of Galveston. Being this close to the beach means sun and surf are a quick drive away.

Houston Sports

Both towns have lots of options for rooting for your favorite team. Centered around professional teams, many Houstonians remember cheering on the Houston Oilers who were the first professional football team in Houston. In 1996, the Oilers moved to Memphis and then to Nashville where they are now the Tennessee Titans. Now Houston football fans can cheer on the Houston Texans who were founded in 2002. In addition to this football team, Houston sports fans can root for the Astros (baseball) and the Rockets (basketball).

Austin Sports

Because Austin is a college town, Austin is built around the University of Texas sports. The Texas Longhorn football program historically is in the top five most winning teams. UT Austin men’s basketball team has won the NCAA championship 27 times and the women’s volleyball team is a powerhouse taking first place in the NCAA and fourth place nationally in 2019. The University is centrally located downtown making it easily accessible for Austin folks to cheer on the Longhorns on any given weekend. In addition to the University of Texas sports, Austin also has a professional soccer team called Austin FC, which has quickly gained a strong following in the city since its founding in 2018.

And the Winner Is…

It’s anyone’s guess as to which city is best. Both Houston and Austin offer great opportunities and benefits and so long as you are living in Texas, you can’t go wrong living in either city. It all comes down to what you are looking for.

Life at Lakeside at Tessera

When considering where to live, you can’t beat the proximity to Austin when you live at Lakeside in Lago Vista. Don’t wait to find your dream home and explore all Lakeside at Tessera has to offer .

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Austin vs Houston 🤷| Comparison + Pros & Cons: Austin or Houston Living for You?

Robert Dicks

• November 5, 2022
• City Comparison
• Austin , Houston , Texas

Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:35 pm

Wrestling between whether you should move to Austin vs Houston? As two major Texas cities with great perks and amenities , this decision is certainly a challenging one. Situated roughly 162 miles apart from one another, making the right decision is extremely important to ensure that you end up in the best location for your individual needs and preferences.

Serving as the state capital, Austin is a bustling city located near the center of the state. It has been nicknamed the “ Live Music Capital of the World®” due to having the most live music venues per capita than any other city. Austin is also regarded as the “Bat City” because of the over 500,000 bats that live under the Congress Avenue bridge. Tourists and locals alike flock to the bridge nightly to see the impressive sight of these amazing creatures.

Traveling southeast, Houston also has a myriad of unique characteristics that residents have come to enjoy. It holds the distinction of being “the world capital of space exploration,” as it has served as the site of many world-famous space-related events. In 1961, the Johnson Space Center was established in Houston. On a highly unique note, Houston has also been named as the “world capital of air conditioning.”

Another perk of living in Houston? With a location close to the Texas coastline, residents can visit the scenic beaches of Galveston on the regular.

How should you make the decision between living in Austin vs Houston? Is Austin or Houston better? Compare and contrast the pros and cons of moving to both cities to help make your final decision. Get a firsthand look at what it’s really like to live in both Austin and Houston.

Table of Contents

Pros & Cons of Living in Austin vs Houston

Living in austin pros.

Acclaimed for its world-class live music scene, gorgeous outdoor spaces, top attractions, and for its lovely neighborhoods , Austin is a magnificent place to reside. With warm temperatures year-round, it is easy to enjoy all of these perks no matter the season. This makes Austin a great place for people who like to fill up their free time with fun things to do.

Around town, there’s so much for residents and visitors to do, see, and experience. Some of the city’s must-see attractions include the Greetings From Austin Mural , Museum of the Weird , Thinkery (an interactive children’s museum), the Blanton Museum of Art, and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. This list is a mere sampling of the numerous museums, gardens, murals, and art galleries that can be visited throughout Austin .

Away from downtown, locals are treated to quiet residential neighborhoods, scenic parks with every amenity imaginable, and close by shops and restaurants.

Austin also has a reputation for its top-rated public schools. Encompassed by the Austin Independent School District , many of the area’s schools have earned perfect 10/10 scores from GreatSchools.org, as well as a number of other top accolades. Some of Austin’s best schools include Elsa England Elementary School , Forest Trail Elementary School , and Hill Country Middle School .

Another perk of living in Austin is the city’s reasonable cost of living . While most major cities have unreasonably high cost of living scores, Austin’s Cost of Living Index (129.4) is only slightly higher than the U.S. average. In fact, in many categories (such as utilities and groceries), the Cost of Living Index is lower than the national average.

Living in Austin Cons

Two of the main downsides to living in Austin are its extremely hot and humid summers and its dense traffic . Adding onto the problem of heavy traffic is the city’s lack of public transportation. To get around the city fully, you absolutely need to own a car, as there are limited places to take the bus, bike, or walk.

Living in Houston Pros

Situated in the far southeastern part of Texas, Houston is known for its excellent attractions, top-rated amenities, outstanding schools, and quaint neighborhoods. Across the city center, residents enjoy the bustling activity in the Theater District, the Houston Skyline District, and the Central Business District. Each of these neighborhoods feature major employers, performing arts venues, and a vibrant food and bev scene.

Hands down, one of the best parts of living in Houston is having access to its plentiful green spaces. Outdoor enthusiasts are especially pleased to reside near top outdoor spaces such as Donovan Park, Midtown Park (which includes a dog park), Memorial Park, Wildcat Golf Club, Shady Lane Park , and Discovery Green .

Want to explore the city’s many attractions in your leisure time? Houston also features top entertainment spots for people of all ages. Make it a priority to visit the Houston Zoo , the Space Center Houston, and Minute Maid Park, which is home of the Houston Astros.

Much like Austin, Houston has phenomenal schools across all grade levels. In fact, a whopping 11 local public schools have been awarded perfect 10/10 scores from GreatSchools.org.

Living in Houston Cons

Because the cities are so close in proximity, Austin and Houston share their hot, muggy climates . For many, consistently high temperatures (often exceeding 100°F in the summertime) and high dew points are a definite con of living in the city. Also, being miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is at-risk for hurricanes and major flooding .

Another downside to living in Houston is that the city consistently ranks low for the overall health of its residents.

Comparisons of Austin vs Houston

Population and demographics.

The population of Houston as compared with Austin is significantly higher . Houston is a much larger city in terms of population. The median age of residents in Austin versus Houston is very similar, with Austin being slightly higher. Austin is wealthier with a higher median household income and also is more educated.

• Austin Population (as of 2020): 964,000
• Houston Population (as of 2020): 2,313,238
• Austin Population Density: 3,013.1 people per square mile
• Houston Population Density: 3,611.9 people per square mile
• Austin Median Age: 34.4
• Houston Median Age: 33.3
• Austin Male vs Female: Male – 51%, Female – 49%
• Houston  Male vs Female: Male – 50%, Female – 50%
• Austin Median Household Income: $79,542
• Houston Median Household Income: $53,600
• Austin Educational Attainment: 92.8% high school diploma or higher, 59.9% bachelor’s degree or higher
• Houston Educational Attainment: 79.7% high school diploma or higher, 34.3% bachelor’s degree or higher

The Cost of Living in Austin vs Houston

The overall cost of living in Austin as opposed to Houston is significantly higher (by over 35%). According to the Economic Policy Institute , a family of four needs to make $77,005 in Austin, and $73,970 in Houston.  Houston benefits from a much lower cost of living than Austin.

• Austin Cost of Living Index: 129.4
• Houston Cost of Living Index: 94.1
• Austin Average Monthly Rent: $1,826
• Houston Average Monthly Rent: $1,304
• Austin Median Home Price: $540,000
• Houston Median Home Price: $320,000

While comparing stats on living in Austin vs. Houston, assessing city crime rates is crucial. In terms of overall crime, violent crime, and property crime, Austin is the safer city .

• Austin Total Crime Rate (per 100K): 4,098
• Houston Total Crime Rate (per 100K): 5,392
• Austin Violent Crime Rate (per 100K): 467
• Houston Violent Crime Rate (per 100K): 1,072
• Austin Property Crime Rate (per 100K): 3,631
• Houston Property Crime Rate (per 100K): 4,319

Climate/Weather

Austin and Houston are both known for their extreme heat and humidity . They are nearly identical in climate and average temperatures due to their close proximity to one another. However, Houston faces well over 14 inches more rain per year .

• Austin Climate Type: Humid subtropical climate
• Houston Climate Type: Humid subtropical climate
• Austin Average Rainfall: 35.5 inches
• Houston Average Rainfall: 49.77 inches
• Austin Average Daily High Temperature Range (Yearly): 62°F – 96°F
• Houston Average Daily High Temperature Range (Yearly): 63°F – 95°F
• Austin Average Daily Low Temperature Range (Yearly): 43°F – 75°F
• Houston Average Daily Low Temperature Range (Yearly): 47°F – 77°F

Public Transportation

For individuals who do not own a vehicle, exploring the ins and outs of Austin vs. Houston public transportation is crucial. Neither city is highly walkable, but each has a decent selection of public transit options.

• Austin Public Transportation System: CapMetro
• Houston Public Transportation System: METRO Public Transit
• Austin Types of Public Transportation: Bus, walking, biking, taxi
• Houston Types of Public Transportation: Bus, Metrorail, walking, biking, taxi

Austin in comparison with Houston has the best job opportunities overall, as well as low unemployment and a higher per capita income.

• Austin Per Capita Income: $53,937
• Houston Per Capita Income: $33,626
• Austin Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
• Houston Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• Austin Top Employers: Dell Inc., H.E.B., Seton Healthcare Network, City of Austin, Apple, Austin Independent School District
• Houston Top Employers: Walmart, Memorial Hermann Health System, H-E-B, Houston Methodist, McDonald’s Corp, and United Airlines

Popular Major League Sports Teams

Sports fans prefer Houston to Austin, since Austin has only one professional sports team.

• Austin: Austin FC
• Houston: Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Rockets (NBA)

Austin vs Houston Distance

How far is Austin from Houston ? The total distance is 165 miles . By vehicle, this trip is only about two and a half hours. Although not ultra close in distance, it is easy to travel between these cities.

Austin vs Houston: Where Are You Moving?

Unicorn Moving is here to serve as your top resource for achieving a laid-back, hassle-free move. Once you’ve compared the benefits and disadvantages of Austin vs Houston, make plans to reserve your relocation services with our team. Voted the best Austin movers for the last six out of eight years, we know what it takes to exceed your every expectation. Contact us today to get started, and to request your free quote!

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96 facts in comparison

Austin vs Houston

How does austin compare to houston.

• 4.8 years younger population ? 32.3 years vs 37.1 years
• 2.2 °C lower average minimum temperature ? 15.5 °C vs 17.7 °C
• 47 more prestigious think tanks ? 47 vs 0
• Is a capital city ?
• 2.13x safer walking alone at night ? 5.28 vs 2.48
• 16.82% higher-quality drinking water ? 7.43 vs 6.36
• 45.09% safer walking alone during the day ? 8.27 vs 5.7
• 0.32$ cheaper cost of 1km taxi fare (normal tariff) ? 1.55$ vs 1.87$

How does Houston compare to Austin?

• 54.24% lower population density ? 1510 people/km² vs 3300 people/km²
• 0.8% lower unemployment rate ? 4% vs 4.8%
• Has a seaside beach ?
• 1.32million more inhabitants ? 2.28 million vs 0.96 million
• 579.62$ cheaper rent for a one-bedroom apartment ? 1 434.58$ vs 2 014.20$
• 173$ billion higher GDP (PPP) ? 341$ billion vs 168$ billion
• Has a bike-sharing system ?
• 140 more museums ? 150 vs 10

Which are the most popular comparisons?

Los Angeles

San Antonio

New Orleans

User reviews

Overall rating.

Walkability

Job opportunities

Public transport

Food and drink

Not a lot to worry about but only offers so much

First of all I want to address the two other reviews on here. The one saying the "gun violence is too high" has clearly never lived anywhere else. Austin I believe is one of the safest cities in the country. I don't think any neighborhood in the city is a "no go" though you might run into more trouble in Riverside or North Lamar or Stassney. I've lived a few different places and Austin really does not have ghettos. No public housing at all, to my knowledge, only some Section 8/Voucher. Secondly the guy who said "Pros: Everything, Cons: Nothing" is...not correct. Anyway, Austin is a fun place to visit. Your enjoyment of the city will depend heavily on what you do and how comfortable you are driving everywhere. To live an urban lifestyle, you're pretty much going to need to be a programmer. Not much wiggle room on that. For true affordability, you're going to have to live way out in Williamson County or WAY down south and put up with Austin traffic. I would compare it to Atlanta just on a smaller scale. Summers are *hot.* If you're from a humid area and think "Oh it's a dry heat" you're in for a rude awakening. We have just enough humidity mixed in with the raw heat to make it pretty miserable. Don't really have much in the way of seasons. No real fall colors. Almost never snows. The last 2 years have been freak events and then it ends up icing and snowing TOO MUCH and half the city loses power. It maybe snowed an inch every 5 years when I was growing up there. Just FYI, Austin hasn't been weird since the death of Lesli over 10 years ago. It's become way more gentrified and yuppie (or DINK, I guess is the new term). It's really not weird hardly at all anymore. It reminds me more of Seattle South, with more sun but no mountains and ocean. Hope this helps.

• Relatively "affordable," if you're coming from LA
• No income tax
• Not much crime
• Some nature
• They'll get you with the property taxes
• Sales tax is a little high
• Hot as hell in summer
• Getting very expensive
• Not really that diverse
• Growing A LOT
• Traffic is a real b*tch

Austin maybe was safe 10 years ago. Not now.

Austin has 3 really problematic issue 1. Lack of public transportation. Less walkability. Everything is far. 3. Homeless issue. 4. Very expensive.

• Good university.
• Nice winter
• Public transport bad. Dont folkow timetable. Few in number. Few route.
• Homeless issue
• You need a car.
• Everything is far.
• . Gun violence too high.
• Very expensive
• Really bad and very hot summer.

Demographics

0.96 million

2.28 million

3300 people/km²

1510 people/km²

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Austin)

Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Houston)

Quality of living

168$ billion

341$ billion

Environment

Transportation, general info.

9.8 million

Miscellaneous

Which are the best cities.

Mexico City

Panama City

San Jose, CA, United States

After the solar eclipse, traffic on Texas highways brought eclipse-chasers back to Earth

Even so far from home, some Houstonians can’t seem to escape traffic.

The average Bayou City resident might often sit in gridlock on Interstate 45 or Loop 610, but on Monday afternoon, many who traveled to see the long-awaited eclipse along the path of totality found themselves stuck on the road in cities like Austin or Dallas while trying to make it back to Houston.

Along Texas 71 near Austin, a flock of eclipse travelers making their way southeast clogged one of the main routes to and from the state capital once the sun reappeared behind patchy skies Monday. The highway connects to Interstate 10 near Columbus, a route typical for Austin-bound travelers from Houston and vice versa.

MORE ECLIPSE COVERAGE: Scenes from the total solar eclipse in Texas

Houston was well represented in the miles-long congestion on Texas 71, evident by the vehicles with license plate frames bearing the names of several Houston-area car dealerships and the Astros gear its drivers were sporting. (Also spotted: Cars from Utah, Minnesota and Florida.) Houston was not in the path of totality and instead offered eclipse-chasers, at best, a partial eclipse of the moon blocking 94% of the sun at its peak.

Tina Beatty, a 44-year-old from Houston, traveled to Austin over the weekend to watch the eclipse with her daughter, Jaelyn, and her husband, Jerome. Their drive into the city the night before was smooth, but they sat in slow-moving traffic with hundreds of others while driving through Bastrop on the outskirts of Greater Austin after the spectacle.

“The eclipse was beautiful, but we had some trouble on the way back,” she said after stopping at a Buc-ee’s along Texas 71. The drive from central Austin to the Bastrop Buc-ee’s, about 30 miles, took her and her family more than an hour, she added. The typical drive time is closer to 30 minutes.

Milon Briggs, a Galleria-area oil and gas engineer, and his family had a similar experience. He and his three children watched the eclipse from a STEM camp hosted by the local Girl Scouts chapter in Austin, and like the Beattys, it took them more than an hour to arrive at Buc-ee’s in Bastrop.

“It was a bit congested, but not as bad as we expected,” the 48-year-old said. “I’m used to driving, so it didn’t bother me much.”

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE ECLIPSE: Clouds blanketed Texas during the eclipse. Was the view from a plane any better?

Earlier in the day, the location’s general manager, 30-year-old Kaitlyn Moore, said the store had spent the days leading up to the total eclipse preparing for an influx of visitors from across the state.

“We’ve had to increase our staff and our orders,” she said. “But we’re always busy all the time, so it’s hard to shock us with the customers.”

Grace Chan and her two sons, 8-year-old Alex and 6-year-old Edward, were among the Houstonians who went to the Hill Country for the eclipse. The three traveled on a chartered bus to Austin with a group from the Houston company Syzygy Plasmonics.

Although she worried that the eclipse wouldn’t be visible due to overcast conditions in Central Texas, the clouds broke frequently enough that those viewing the event from Austin still got some views of the totality.

“Even without seeing the eclipse, I think that the whole road trip experience will be one to remember for them,” Chan said as her children ran inside the Buc-ee's with their mouths stained blue from candy and slushies.

Some Houstonians planned to wait for the worst of the traffic to disperse before trying to get back home Monday afternoon. 

Mika Barzilay, from the Bellaire area, took off from Houston around 4 a.m. Monday to ensure she and her friends could make it to the path of totality in time. They watched the celestial phenomenon from Zilker Park in Austin, cheering and clapping along with thousands of others as the moon crept in front of the sun and darkened the skies around 1:30 p.m. 

“We’ll enjoy the evening here and then wait for it to cool down,” she said. “It’ll be closer to a four-hour drive I think (if we leave now), so we’ll definitely try to wait out everyone that’s immediately going back to Houston.”

Rice University freshman James Li and his friends also watched the eclipse at Zilker Park. And even though the view of the total eclipse in Austin lasted just minutes, the group decided to take their time. The 18-year-old economics student left Houston around 5 a.m. Monday and wasn’t planning to get back until late that night, he said.

“It was like surreal, like nothing I’d ever seen in my life,” Li said after the eclipse. “We want to make the most of it.” 

Live updates: Everything you need to know about Monday's solar eclipse

The big day has finally arrived − the 2024 solar eclipse will draw millions to look skyward . Thousands have traveled to see it, some even crossing oceans just to catch a glimpse.

So, what final details should you remember as you enjoy the celestial event? Take a look.

Check back throughout the day for live updates from Austin and statewide:

3:40 p.m. The eclipse has left the building

The eclipse ended in the Austin area around 3 p.m., but it will live in our hearts, fond memories and photos that you can purchase forever. If you did happen to glance at the sun and you're worried about eclipse blindness, you can check out the symptoms here. If you're wondering what to with your eclipse glasses, we have suggestions here .

Amazingly, traffic in the Texas capital remains manageable. According to Google, a trip from Zilker Park to the departures gate at Austin Bergstrom is currently only 26 minutes. If you're on your way out of Austin, we hope you've enjoyed your stay. If you're a local, thanks for joining us on this celestial journey and we hope to connect again soon!

2:08 p.m.: Early post-eclipse traffic snarls are not as bad as anticipated

For weeks, we've been preparing for a crush of visitors that would overwhelm Austin roads and turn I-35 into a parking lot. 30 minutes after totality, the roads are looking surprisingly clear. According to Google maps, a trip from the Texas State Capitol to the airport was only 18 minutes. That same trip from Zilker Park is 22 minutes. Travel from the Long Center's eclipse event to Pflugerville was 29 minutes and the same trip up to Cedar Park was 27 minutes.

1:54 p.m. Students and adults at Reilly Elementary danced under the moon-darkened sky

As the day became dark at Reilly Elementary, children and adults alike ran around in glee, cheering the once-in-a-lifetime event.

As the sun again began poking out from behind the moon’s showdown, Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” rang out from a speaker as students broke into a dance party.

1:47 p.m. Zilker Park erupted in cheers during a brief glance of the ring of fire

Persistent cloud cover didn't deter a crowd of eclipse watchers at Zilker Park who camped on the great lawn and cheered each time the sun peeked out from behind the clouds (and the moon). As the city moved into totality there was a momentary appearance of the full ring as the moon passed over the sun. It was very brief but the full park saw it and erupted into cheers They cheered several times while the ring was visible, when it appeared absolutely darkest and then as orange hues started to illuminate the otherwise very gray sky at the end.

1:35 p.m. Austin, we have hit.....TOTALITY!

Oh snap! It's dark. It's suddenly chilly. Stop reading this right now and look up at the sky! Take a deep breath. Listen for crickets. Think celestial thoughts. Experience the magic. Totality in most of the city will last for less than two minutes.

12:25 p.m.: The eclipse is a 'twice in a lifetime' experience for this family

We caught up with the Schuster family, who traveled from Annapolis, Maryland for the eclipse, at the Texas Capitol.

This is the family's second time traveling for a total solar eclipse, after visiting Columbia, South Carolina in 2017. Addison Schuster turned 21 on the trip to Texas, and the family came to Austin because he had wanted to visit the city for years. They've done some shopping, sampled some Texas BBQ, and made a stop at Dirty Sixth one night.

They are hopeful the eclipse is visible in the next hour, but feel confident there will be noticeable effects no matter what.

12:17 p.m. It's starting! There's sun (sort of)! Go look at the sky!

It's go time, Austin! The solar eclipse will be visible from the Austin area from 12:17 p.m. to 2:58 p.m., with totality from 1:35 p.m. to 1:38 p.m. Not in Austin? Here's more eclipse time information.

11:52 a.m.: Eclipse watchers gather at the Long Center for the city's best skyline view

Twelve thousand people registered to watch the spectacular solar eclipse from the Long Center, but only the first 5,000 will make it onto the Hartman Lawn. Thousands more will spill out along Ladybird Lake and bridges connecting the downtown area. The sun keeps peeking in and out of the light cloud cover as everyone hopes for a clear view of the moon overtaking the sun.

“We keep saying it’s like dramatic effect,” says Cory Baker, the CEO of the Long Center. “I’m hoping it’s gonna burn off and we’re going to have clear skies.”

Tote bags, glasses, pens and journals are given to everyone who enters, not a blade of grass is expected to be seen with wall-to-wall onlookers hoping to catch the natural event.

“(Eclipses) happen every 18 months so it’s not that they’re rare on the planet,” says Ivvet Modinou, the Senior Vice President for Science Society and Culture for the Simons Foundation, “but for it to intersect with the place you call home is very rare.”

Libby Amos, 6, and Emma, 4, posed with their friend Lydia Witherspoon in the frame picture spot overlooking the city.

“It’s very, very, super duper cool,” says Libby who came with her Louisiana family.

“I used to teach eighth grade earth and space science and it was so fun to teach to my students and it’s just so cool to share with my kids now,” says Libby and Emma’s mom Madeline Brown.

The doors opened at 11 a.m. with the Mother Nature spectacular expected at 1:35 p.m.

11:17 a.m.: An estimated 40% of camp sites at Pace Bend Park in Spicewood are unoccupied

Out at Pace Bend Park in Spicewood, there are clouds and campers and also several unoccupied camping sites. Every site that's unoccupied has a Reserved tag on it. It was the same story on Sunday. Where are the campers? Where are the eclipsers?

The primitive corner of Pace Bend's campground is between half- and three-fourths filled. Perhaps it is the threat of clouds, and possibly even rain, during today's eclipse that's keeping the campers away: Pace Bend's sites are all reserved, a camp employee said, but she estimated that 40% of the reserved sites are currently unoccupied. 

"Let's manifest sunlight," said one camper earlier this morning.

11:09 a.m.: Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet canceled due to potential severe weather

The Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet is ending a day early on Monday due to possible severe weather, including risks of tornadic activity, thunderstorms and large hail, the festival said in online posts.

Festival organizers urged attendees to leave early for safety and to beat traffic. Organizers agreed to end the festival in coordination with Burnet County officials, local safety agencies and the National Weather Service, according to the festival’s website.

All programming and performances for Monday and Tuesday are canceled. No additional guests will be allowed to enter the venue, and inbound shuttles to the venue are canceled. More information .

10:47 a.m.: Crowds are sparser than expected at the bat bridge

Matt Langbehn, from Round Rock, is the first to set up camp near the South Congress bat bridge in Austin. Langbehn said he arrived at 4 a.m. because of expected crowds, but as of 10:40 he was still the lone individual on the hill.

"I wake up early anyway," Langbehn said, undeterred.

"It's been a beautiful day," he added.

10:19 a.m.: Need a professional photo of the eclipse? We've got you

These days, we all walk around with powerful cameras in our pockets. But if you're trying to record the eclipse with your smart phone, you should use a solar filter (except when the eclipse has reached full totality). And honestly, capturing the majesty of an event like the eclipse is a job for the pros.

After the eclipse, we'll have posters and framed prints from Statesman photojournalists available at usatodaystore.com.

9:55 a.m.: Track flight delays

Click here to see flight delay information provided by the Federal Aviation Association.

9:46 a.m.: When do I need to wear eclipse glasses?

Solar eclipse weather forecast in texas.

It remains likely that  clouds will impede viewing in Texas  of this afternoon's total solar eclipse.

According to the respective National Weather Service offices,  forecasts indicate cloudy weather in Austin-San Antonio  and  Dallas-Fort Worth  — the regions in Texas where the total eclipse will be most prominent — during the astronomical event with possible severe thunderstorms for hours immediately following.

Weather forecast: Clouds likely to rain on the solar eclipse parade across Texas on Monday, NWS says

Despite the predicted cloud cover, Bill Nye assures us that Texans will still be able to view the solar eclipse.

More: Bill Nye told us what's going to happen if it's cloudy during total solar eclipse in Texas

Am I in the path of totality?

What time is the eclipse in my area.

Eclipse partiality will begin a little after noon. Totality will start around 1:40 p.m. CST.

• Del Rio:  12:11 p.m. to 2:51 p.m., with totality from 1:28 p.m. to 1:31 p.m.
• San Antonio:  12:14 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., with totality from 1:33 p.m. to 1:34 p.m.
• Austin:  12:17 p.m. to 2:58 p.m., with totality from 1:35 p.m. to 1:38 p.m.
• Dallas:  12:23 p.m. to 3:02 p.m., with totality from 1:40 p.m. to 1:44 p.m.
• Texarkana:  12:28 p.m. to 3:07 p.m., with totality from 1:46 p.m. to 1:49 p.m.

Enter your ZIP code below to see how the eclipse will look in your area and what time you should expect to see totality.

Can't see graphics? Search your ZIP code for a complete eclipse viewing guide

What time is the eclipse across the US?

Solar eclipse map: path of totality in texas.

The map below is based on data from NASA, NOAA and the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies  to show eclipse times, peak sun coverage and likely levels of cloudiness during the solar eclipse April 8.

'New' path of totality map: More parts of Texas will get to see the solar eclipse

Where can I get solar eclipse glasses near me?

Solar eclipse enthusiasts have little time left to get their hands on safe viewing glasses before the  celestial phenomenon Monday .

The Statesman turned to the experts at the American Astronomical Society for information on safe eclipse viewing glasses. These retailers, and others, are on their  approved list :

• Walmart:  Prices start at $9.99. They're available to  snag online .
• Lowe's:  Eclipse glasses are available  in-store only .
• The Home Depot:  Sells  eclipse glasses , but its stock is very limited and may no longer be available.
• Staples:  Purchase a 50-pack of eclipse glasses for $149.50  online .
• More local stores:  Buc-ee's ,  Cracker Barrel  and  Kroger .

Is your local store out of glasses? Check out this map of stores by Linq that still have them in stock

When buying eclipse viewing glasses, make sure they are certified by the International Organization for Standardization and have the "ISO" icon. The glasses should also have the ISO reference number: 12312-2.

Solar eclipse road closures in Texas

Roads are expected to have 30% more drivers than usual today and tomorrow, according to CBS News . Traffic will also be more congested in the path of totality and surrounding areas.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has banned overweight and/or oversized loads from a large swath of highways today.

Despite some anxiety regarding the implications of the road ban, the department assures this will not affect major transportation such as grocery distribution and mail delivery.

"Route restrictions are a regular part of the oversize/overweight permitting process for various reasons," a DMV spokesperson told MySA . "But a total eclipse is, of course, not a common reason."

The Texas Department of Transportation has also been proactive in making roads as safe as possible.

"Solar eclipse Monday, delays possible," TxDOT's electronic billboards read. "Arrive early, stay put, leave late."

People are also reading: Driving to see the solar eclipse? These Texas roads may see the most traffic

Click here to see TxDOT's total guide for Texas eclipse travel.

The department has also shared the following safe driving tips:

• Expect heavy traffic in the days before and during the solar eclipse.
• Plan to leave early and stay late. Use  DriveTexas.org  to see live traffic conditions.
• Do not park in the middle of roads or on road shoulders. Find a safe place to park to view the eclipse.
• Keep your headlights on, even in daylight.
• Do not wear  eclipse viewing glasses  while driving.

WATCH LIVE: See the total solar eclipse as it moves across the US

One of the biggest celestial events of the decade has arrived in the form of the total solar eclipse that will make its way across parts of Central and North America on Monday.

You can watch a livestream of the rare event here beginning at 12 p.m.

Dozens of cities across the Midwest, Plains and South regions will be in the path of totality, or where the sun's visibility will be completely blocked by the moon. Expect skies to darken as other phenomena take place throughout the afternoon.

What is a solar eclipse?

According to  National Geographic , a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, creating a shadow on our planet called an umbra.

There are also different kinds of eclipses. A total eclipse occurs when the moon blocks out the entire sun and a partial eclipse occurs when the moon only blocks part of the sun.

What is a total solar eclipse? What happens during a total solar eclipse?

According to the  Indiana University official website , a total eclipse takes place when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, placing the Earth in its shadow. The time it takes place, as well as the duration, are influenced by factors like the distances between the sun, moon and Earth, the moon’s phase and the axial tilt of the Earth and moon.

Does it get dark during a total solar eclipse?

Yes. The closer one's location is to totality, the greater the darkness and duration. During a total solar eclipse, the moon eventually lines up perfectly between the Earth and the sun, blocking out light.

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse? Here's when you should look up in your area

On Monday, April 8, the sky will momentarily darken for millions of Americans in the path of totality during the 2024 solar eclipse .

This is the first total solar eclipse to pass through North America in seven years, and the next one will not be seen from the contiguous U.S. until Aug. 23, 2044 , according to NASA .

The exact time the solar eclipse will occur will vary, depending on the state and the time zone. And of course, eclipse visibility will also be dependent on Monday's weather .

Whether you're experiencing the path of totality from home or traveling to witness it in person, here's what to expect for the exact eclipse time.

Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: See latest weather forecast, what time it hits your area

What time is the 2024 solar eclipse?

The eclipse will begin in Mexico at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, Monday, April 8 before crossing into Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. It will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Even if you're not in the path of totality and won't see the full eclipse, you may still see a percentage of it.

To find out exactly when the eclipse will be happening in your area, you can search by USA TODAY's database by zip code for a viewing guide.

Even if you still see a fraction of the eclipse, you can use the database to search the time, duration, peak and percentage in your area.

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality in the United States (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Where is the 2024 total solar eclipse?

The eclipse begins in Mexico , and then crosses over into the U.S. through Texas. From there, the path of totality, which is approximately 115 miles wide, extends northeast, crossing through 13 states. In the U.S., totality will end in Maine, but the eclipse will eventually enter the maritime provinces of Canada.

Other major cities along the eclipse's path of totality include San Antonio and Austin, Texas; Indianapolis; and Rochester and Syracuse, New York.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, Ramon Padilla and Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, watch live: total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A total solar eclipse is crossing from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States on Monday.

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT. Precisely when you'll be able to see the eclipse — and what kind of eclipse you'll be able to see — will depend on your location and time zone. More on that here .

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

Livestreams from along the path of totality

View from Vermont

Vermont Public will livestream views of the eclipse from the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Tune in starting at 3 p.m. ET.

View from New Hampshire

NHPBS will livestream the solar eclipse from Lancaster, N.H. starting at 12 p.m. ET.

View from Maine

Maine Public will livestream from Mars Hill, Maine, starting at 2:30 p.m.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans?  Check out these  kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides  from Vermont Public's  But Why,  and this great explainer from KERA Kids on  the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view?   Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye  on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.
• Feeling whimsical?  Here are three ways to  sprinkle a little magic into your eclipse experience .

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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