City in Texas, United States
Austin
Live music, tacos, barbecue and a big tech and remote-work crowd, with swimming holes and a lively outdoors scene. Summers are brutally hot, the city is car-dependent and downtown weekends get loud.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,800–5,400Comfortable, one person · $3,800–5,400Details
- Value for money8/100Better value than 7% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 36°CDetails
- Air quality9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water from the Colorado River is treated and safe; hard and mineral-tasting, so many locals filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$130–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips to buskers and a few food trucks.Details
Where to stay in Austin
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Rainey Street | Bars, music venues and walkable evenings |
| South Congress (SoCo) | Boutiques, cafés and a relaxed, central stay |
| East Austin | Breweries, food trucks and a creative crowd |
| Zilker / Barton Springs | Parks, swimming and the Hike-and-Bike Trail |
| Hyde Park / North Loop | Quiet, local cafés and cheaper long stays |
Apps that work in Austin
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis are scarce; rideshare is the norm. Surge is heavy during SXSW and ACL.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phone pay work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips to buskers and a few food trucks.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Going to Austin solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Austin meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- CapMetro (Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
- Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
- Visit Austin
- Austin Water
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.