A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Pittsburgh for Attractions, Nightlife, Food, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

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 Pittsburgh 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 under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pittsburgh than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pittsburgh is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Adelaide is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and shopping. Adelaide is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Also, Pittsburgh is famous for Mount Washington.

How is Adelaide different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

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 Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Adelaide and Pittsburgh.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Pittsburgh. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Adelaide or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

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

Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Beaches?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is great for the beach. However, Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Adelaide. 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.

Pittsburgh is not a beach destination.


Is Adelaide or Pittsburgh Better for Hiking?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Pittsburgh is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is great for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Adelaide or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Both Adelaide and Pittsburgh are notable to visit with kids.

Adelaide is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pittsburgh. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.


Is Adelaide or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.

Adelaide is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Adelaide or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Adelaide. 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.

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Adelaide or Pittsburgh Better for Students?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Pittsburgh is not popular with students.


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

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Adelaide. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Is Adelaide or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Adelaide
Pittsburgh

Adelaide is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adelaide and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adelaide than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adelaide than Pittsburgh 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 Adelaide.


  • How many days in Adelaide or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adelaide 2-4 
    Pittsburgh 2-3

One day in Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

With museums and nightlife around the elegant city of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Pittsburgh offers food and shopping. 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 Pittsburgh?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Pittsburgh 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pittsburgh, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

Adelaide, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Pittsburgh is a great place to explore. 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 G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.


Which place is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Adelaide?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $111, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $181. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adelaide and Pittsburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $66
    Pittsburgh $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $132
    Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Pittsburgh

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Pittsburgh? 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 Pittsburgh


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 Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $19
    Pittsburgh $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

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


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

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

  • Full-Day Private City Tour with Hotel Transfers: $496
  • Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $254
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide Port: $254
  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $246
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $220
  • ADL Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $119
  • Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $109
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $92
  • Adelaide Airport (ADL) to Adelaide - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Adelaide Airport ADL to Adelaide in Business Car: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh 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 $31
    Pittsburgh $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

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

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $23
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $79
  • Cooking classes Goolwa: $129
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $192
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $230

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
  • Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $14
    Pittsburgh $38

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

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

  • 2h Wine Experience, Vineyard walk, 6 wines, charcuterie board: $59
  • 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,649
  • 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $1,980
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $58
  • A Taste of Rundle Mall Walking Tour: $48
  • Abseiling Adventure in Adelaide: $98
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $46
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $53
  • Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour: $111
  • Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $28
  • Adelaide Hills Day Tour. Winery Cellar Doors: $165

Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh

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

  • Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
  • Bike the Burgh Tour: $50
  • Black & Ghost Tour: $33
  • Discover Oakland Tour: $33
  • Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.22
  • Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections: $7.00
  • Essential Pittsburgh Experience - The One Tour to Take: $75
  • HOP ON-HOP OFF TOUR PASS- All Day Sightseeing Tour Pass: $40
  • JUST THE TOUR - Double Decker bus sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh.: $35
  • New! Art & Artists Tour: $33
  • New! Bikes & Brews Tour: $75
  • Pittsburg 101 Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $23
    Pittsburgh $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $30
  • River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $43
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $52
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $79
  • Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $79
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $112
  • The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $112
  • Barossa Small Group Wine Tours - Local Guide: $131
  • Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $131
  • Adelaide Hills Full Day Wine Tour: $131

Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh

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

  • Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
  • Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
  • New! Bites & Brews: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $50
  • Bike and Brewery Tour: $69
  • Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Adelaide is in Pacific and Pittsburgh is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Pittsburgh?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Pittsburgh, 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.