Austin hotel prices average about $161 per night based on advertised public rates, and the month you travel matters more than almost anything else. August is typically the cheapest month at about $134 a night, while October averages about $209.
Figures here come from Engine’s hotel rate data (May 2024 to April 2026). They are lowest public “par” rates shown in searches, not final booked prices, so use them to compare months rather than to predict one bill.
Austin Hotel Prices by Month
| Month | Average nightly rate |
|---|---|
| January | $145 |
| February | $168 |
| March (SXSW) | $190 |
| April | $169 |
| May | $159 |
| June | $150 |
| July | $142 |
| August | $134 |
| September | $166 |
| October | $209 |
| November | $164 |
| December | $140 |
Source: Engine hotel price data for Austin. Rates pool several years, so a specific year can differ.
What Changes the Price of an Austin Hotel
- Events: March (SXSW) and October (festival and football season) lift rates. See our guide to hotel prices during SXSW in Austin.
- Heat: Summer is hot, and demand softens, which is why July and August are cheaper.
- Location: Downtown, South Congress and the convention center area cost the most. Hotels near the airport or north Austin are usually cheaper.
- Hotel class: Luxury and boutique hotels downtown can run well above the city average, while limited-service hotels outside the core run below it.
Taxes and Fees on Austin Hotel Stays
Austin’s hotel occupancy tax totals about 17%: 6% state, 9% city and a 2% venue tax, according to hotel-tax references. Some downtown hotels with 100 or more rooms add a further assessment. Confirm on your booking page, since rates change.
Also check parking, which can add a daily charge downtown, and any mandatory resort or amenity fee. Under the FTC rule on short-term lodging fees, mandatory fees must be included in the displayed total price. For other states, see hotel occupancy tax by state and what resort fees cost.
How to Save on an Austin Hotel
- Travel in the cheaper months: August, July, December and January.
- Avoid SXSW and big October weekends if your dates are flexible.
- Compare a refundable rate now and recheck before the cancellation deadline.
- Look outside downtown and check the cost of rideshare or parking against the savings.
- Compare booking direct with an online agency, see booking direct vs Expedia and Hotels.com.
Where to Stay in Austin by Budget
- Downtown: Walk to music venues, restaurants and Lady Bird Lake. Highest prices and parking fees.
- East Austin: Food and nightlife, a short ride from downtown.
- University area: Handy for UT events; rates jump on football weekends.
- Near the airport or north Austin: Usually the lowest rates, but you will drive or ride into the center.
For a comparison with other Texas cities, see Houston hotel prices and Dallas hotel prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hotel price in Austin?
Austin hotels average about $161 per night in advertised public rates from May 2024 to April 2026. Rates are lowest in August at about $134 and highest in October at about $209.
What is the cheapest month to stay in Austin?
August is the cheapest month in the data, at about $134 a night. July (about $142) and December (about $140) are also low.
Why are Austin hotels expensive in October?
October averages about $209 a night, the highest month in the data, because of fall events and strong visitor demand. Book early or choose a different month to save.
How much tax is added to an Austin hotel room?
Austin hotel occupancy tax totals about 17%: 6% state, 9% city and 2% venue tax. Some large downtown hotels add another assessment, so check your final total.
Are downtown Austin hotels worth the extra cost?
They can be if you want to walk to venues and skip parking and rideshare costs. Compare the full cost, including parking, against a cheaper hotel outside downtown.
