A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Adelaide or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Adelaide and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Melbourne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne than Adelaide. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Melbourne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its hiking. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Adelaide different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Melbourne and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Melbourne?

Melbourne is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Both Adelaide and Melbourne are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Adelaide is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide is a good destination for hiking. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Melbourne?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Adelaide and Melbourne.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very family-friendly destination. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Both Adelaide and Melbourne are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Adelaide is a nice destination for couples. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide and Melbourne are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Plenty of backpackers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Adelaide or Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Adelaide and Melbourne.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Melbourne has some very good public transit options. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Adelaide or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Melbourne are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Melbourne?

In either Adelaide or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Adelaide because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Melbourne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Melbourne than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Melbourne that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne than Adelaide if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Melbourne.

One day in Adelaide or Melbourne?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Adelaide. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Adelaide. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Melbourne?

Adelaide is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Adelaide.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Adelaide. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Melbourne, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Adelaide is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Melbourne. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne and Adelaide during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In April, Adelaide is generally a little warmer than Melbourne. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Melbourne. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Melbourne. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Melbourne. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Adelaide is a little warmer than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Melbourne. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Melbourne. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In the spring, Adelaide is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the spring, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Melbourne. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Melbourne. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Adelaide