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MyBudgetHotel

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Austin on a Budget — Compared

Where you stay in Austin makes a huge difference in what you pay. Here's how the neighborhoods stack up for budget travelers.

South Austin

$75
3-6 mi to downtownlimited nightlifeFree parking

Families visiting Zilker Park, outdoor enthusiasts, and ACL Festival attendees looking for a base camp

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North Austin

$80
3-8 mi to downtownlimited nightlifeFree parking

UT visitors, road trippers passing through, and budget travelers who prioritize savings over location

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East Austin

$85
1.5 mi to downtowngood nightlifeFree parking

Foodies, craft beer fans, and budget travelers who want character over chain hotels

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Near Airport

$90
7-9 mi to downtownnone nightlifeFree parking

Early flights, late arrivals, F1 fans (COTA is nearby), and travelers who want a clean room without the downtown premium

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Downtown

$95
Walkableexcellent nightlifePaid parking

Bachelorette parties, nightlife seekers, and business travelers who need Convention Center access

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South Congress

$95
Walkablegood nightlifeMixed parking

Couples, food lovers, and visitors who want Austin's quirky vibe without the 6th Street chaos

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Quick Take

South Austin

South Austin is the laid-back, 'Keep Austin Weird' heart of the city, stretching south of Ben White Boulevard toward Slaughter Lane. It's close to Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and the greenbelt trails, with solid budget hotel options along I-35 south and Ben White.

North Austin

North Austin stretches from the UT campus area up to The Domain and beyond along the I-35 and MoPac corridors. It's where you'll find the most budget motel options in Austin, plus easy access to UT and the tech corridor. The trade-off is distance from downtown nightlife.

East Austin

East Austin is Austin's rapidly gentrifying creative district, full of breweries, taquerias, art galleries, and live music venues. It's edgier and more local-feeling than downtown or SoCo, with some budget-friendly options emerging along the I-35 corridor.

Near Airport

The area around Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers some of the best value in Austin if you don't mind the distance from downtown. Hotels here cater to business travelers and road trippers, with free parking, airport shuttles, and reliable chain quality.

Downtown

Downtown Austin is the walkable core of the city, home to 6th Street, Rainey Street, the Convention Center, and Lady Bird Lake. It's where most visitors want to be — and where hotels charge the most for the privilege. Budget options exist but book up fast, especially during events.

South Congress

South Congress (SoCo) is Austin's hip, eclectic strip south of Lady Bird Lake. It's walkable along the main avenue with great food, vintage shops, and the iconic bat bridge nearby. Hotels here are trendy but pricey — budget travelers may do better slightly further south.

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This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Average neighborhood prices are estimates based on our researched hotels and may vary.