AustinvsLos Angeles
Can't decide between Austin and Los Angeles? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Austin
Austin is Texas' weird and wonderful capital, where live music pours from every bar on Sixth Street, food trucks revolutionized dining, and tech bros mingle with artists keeping the city weird. BBQ is practically a religion.
Known for
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, where Hollywood glamour meets beach culture and incredible diversity. From celebrity spotting to world-class museums and stunning coastline, LA offers the quintessential California dream.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Austin offers Sixth Street, South Congress, Barton Springs
Los Angeles offers Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios
Food & Dining
Austin is famous for its local dining scene
Los Angeles is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Austin offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Los Angeles offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
March to May (SXSW), October to November
March to May, September to November
Weather
Summer: 35°C, Winter: 12°C
Summer: 28°C, Winter: 18°C
Top Attractions in Austin
- 1Sixth Street
- 2South Congress
- 3Barton Springs
- 4Lady Bird Lake
- 5Texas State Capitol
- 6BBQ Trail
Top Attractions in Los Angeles
- 1Hollywood Sign
- 2Santa Monica Pier
- 3Universal Studios
- 4Getty Center
- 5Venice Beach
- 6Griffith Observatory
Austin is Popular With
Los Angeles is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Austin
- 1
The Cathedral of Junk
A massive, ever-evolving sculpture in a South Austin backyard, built from over 60 tons of recycled objects.
- 2
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
A tranquil park with historic cottage gardens, lily ponds, and a flock of free-roaming peacocks.
Hidden Gems in Los Angeles
- 1
The Museum of Jurassic Technology
A completely unique and bewildering museum in Culver City that blends factual exhibits with elaborate, poetic hoaxes and curiosities.
- 2
The Venice Canals
A quiet, picturesque network of walkways and footbridges over man-made canals, just a block away from the chaos of the Venice Boardwalk.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Austin
Downtown & Sixth Street
The bustling heart of the city, home to the historic entertainment district and the state's political center.
South Congress (SoCo)
The epicenter of Austin's iconic, funky vibe.
Top Areas in Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
The rapidly evolving historic core of the city, where skyscrapers meet 19th-century architecture.
Silver Lake & Echo Park
The epicenter of LA's hipster and creative scene, centered around picturesque reservoirs.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Austin
Budget in Los Angeles
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Austin
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Book Activities in Los Angeles
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Austin
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Austin
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Find cheap transport to Los Angeles
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Our Verdict
Both Austin and Los Angeles are incredible destinations. Austin excels in live music and BBQ, while Los Angeles stands out for Hollywood and beaches.
Best destination for:
beaches
Los Angeles
families
Los Angeles
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