A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Brisbane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Adelaide or Brisbane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Brisbane can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Adelaide or Brisbane?

Adelaide

Adelaide is the often overlooked capital city of the State of South Australia. It's also the fifth largest city in the country. Despite being skipped by most travelers, Adelaide is an interesting city to explore and has a decent amount to offer open minded travelers. It has some fascinating architecture, unique shopping, and wonderful cafes and restaurants. Part of the appeal of Adelaide is its location in the midst of Australia's wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley. Any of these destinations could be visited as a day trip from Adelaide.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

Which city is cheaper, Brisbane or Adelaide?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $91, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $109. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adelaide and Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $54
    Brisbane $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $108
    Brisbane $134
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Brisbane

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Brisbane? 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 Adelaide


Hotels in Brisbane


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Adelaide Hotel Prices and Brisbane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $15
    Brisbane $15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $240
  • AirPort Transfers & People Mover: $169
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $121
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $99
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $99
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Business Car: $71
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Business Car: $67
  • Private Transfer: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport (ADL): $64
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Adelaide Downtown to Adelaide Airport: $61
  • Transfer in private minivan from Adelaide Downtown to Adelaide Airport: $61
  • Adelaide Airport Departure Transfer in a Tesla Model3 EV: $44
  • Corporate transfers and wine tours: $43

Typical Local Transportation prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $10
  • Go Card
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $14
  • Sirromet Winery All inclusive Lunch @ Lurleens, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $158
  • Private Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $98
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 7 people: $352
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Brisbane Airport: $40
  • Private Brisbane City Transfer to Gold Coast 7am-6pm: $89
  • Private Brisbane Airport Arrival Transfer to Gold Coast: $177
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $40
  • Private Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane: $98
  • Private Airport Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to South Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $132
  • Private Airport Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to North Gold Coast 1-6 pax: $107
  • Private 24 Seat Mini Bus CBD to Brisbane Airport Transfer: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Brisbane?

Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Adelaide 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adelaide $26
    Brisbane $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The F Factor: Adelaide food tour: $36
  • Adelaide Central Market The Collaborators Dinner Tour: $154

Typical Food prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.40
  • Cup of Coffee
    $2.03
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.44
  • Ice cream
    $3.71
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.39
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.76
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.73
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.36
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.45
  • Bread
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Food Tour with Coffee and Wine Tastings: $184
  • Brisbane Food Tour: A Taste of Queensland: $202
  • 3-Course Progressive Dinner Experience in Brisbane: $237
  • Queensland Food Tour: Farm-to-Table Indulgence: $375

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $11
    Brisbane $20

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 10-Day Adelaide to Perth Adventure Tour: $1,419
  • 2-Day Kangaroo Island 4WD Small-Group Tour from Adelaide: $990
  • 3 Day Flinders Ranges Outback Tour: $1,772
  • 3 Day Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay Tour: $1,577
  • 3 Day Whale Watching Tour from Adelaide: $1,679
  • 3 Days Flerieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island Motorcycle Tour: $562
  • 3-Day Adelaide to Melbourne Tour Including the Great Ocean Road: $1,221
  • 3-Day Guided Seafood Lovers Tour of Ceduna from Adelaide: $1,814
  • 3-Day Private Adelaide to Melbourne tour: $2,442
  • 3-Day Small-Group Eco-Tour from Southern Yorke Peninsula: $1,102
  • 3-Night Murray River Cruise by Classic Paddle Wheeler PS Murray Princess: $1,095
  • 4 Knots Murray River Cruises offer Morning and Afternoon Tea and Lunch Cruises: $51

Typical Entertainment prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $14

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • 4-Day Jewels of the Outback Gemstone Hunting Tour from Brisbane: $1,577
  • 5-Day Cunnamulla Outback Wildlife Backpacking Tour from Brisbane: $948
  • 5-Day Outback Farm and Wildlife Experience from Brisbane: $1,936
  • Bay Island Tour - Scenic Flight: $271
  • Best Of Brisbane Day Tour incl. Lone Pine - Half Day Private Customised tour: $197
  • Boutique Brisbane to Cairns Australian east coast tour - 8 Day small group: $2,689
  • Brisbane Day in the Country Full-Day Small-Group Tour with Lunch: $249
  • Brisbane Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $35
  • Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit: $61
  • Brisbane to Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass: $86
  • Full-Day Byron Bay Tour: $280
  • Guided River Kayak Tour: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $18
    Brisbane $42

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $55
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $78
  • Adelaide Hills Wine Tour: $81
  • The Lane Vineyard: Panorama Private Wine Tasting Experience: $103
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $107
  • Barossa Valley Wine Tours - Small Private Groups: $119
  • Barossa Valley Cellar Doors Luxury Wine Tour: $121
  • McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike: $126
  • Small-Group Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $126
  • McLaren Vale Luxury Wine Tour: $155
  • McLaren Vale Winery Small Group Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $158
  • Small-Group Full-Day Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Wine Tour from Adelaide: $158

Typical Alcohol prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $10
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.45
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.74
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • Deluxe Wine Tasting Tour Mt Tamborine Includes 2 course Lunch: $94
  • Morning or Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $111
  • Mt Tamborine Wine Tour: $119
  • Brisbane Half-Day Private Brewery Tour: $119
  • Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $119
  • Northern Rivers food & Wine Tour from Brisbane: $119
  • Two Day xxxx Brewery and Tamborine Winery Tour: $198
  • Private Full Day Wine Tour from Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain: $474

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane than you might in Adelaide.


When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Brisbane?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Adelaide or Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Brisbane.

In January, Adelaide is generally cooler than Brisbane. Temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Brisbane stays around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Adelaide 22°C (72°F) 
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Brisbane.

Adelaide is cooler than Brisbane in the autumn. The temperature in Adelaide is usually 18°C (64°F) in April, and Brisbane stays around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Brisbane. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Adelaide 18°C (64°F) 
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Adelaide is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July are around 11°C (52°F), and Brisbane is about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbane. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Adelaide 11°C (52°F) 
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Adelaide or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit.

In October, Adelaide is generally cooler than Brisbane. Temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Brisbane stays around 21°C (69°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Brisbane. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Adelaide 16°C (61°F) 
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Adelaide

Adelaide Brisbane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 21°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 18°C (65°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 21°C (69°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in)


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Adelaide vs. Brisbane Travel Comparison

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