Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Adelaide?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Adelaide or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays?
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.
Whitsundays
Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.
As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAdelaide $115Whitsundays $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $115, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $139. 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 Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAdelaide $68Whitsundays $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAdelaide $136Whitsundays $144
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Whitsundays? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Adelaide $19Whitsundays $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:
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Shuttle from the Train Station$3.77
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: $510
- One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $260
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide Port: $259
- Adelaide Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Adelaide city: $259
- Adelaide Airport (ADL): Private Transfer to Adelaide hotels: $224
- Adelaide Private Airport and City Transfer: $112
- Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $109
- Airport Transfer: Airport ADL to Adelaide by Business Car: $60
- Adelaide to Adelaide Airport (ADL) - Departure Private Transfer : $39
- Private One way Transfer from Adelaide Airport（ADL） to Adelaide: $39
- Adelaide Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Adelaide: $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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
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Food Meals for one dayAdelaide $32Whitsundays $31
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: $31
- Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $81
- Four Hours Cooking Class in Adelaide Hills: $129
- Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $202
- Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $243
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays
For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Adelaide $14Whitsundays $26
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: $62
- 3-Day Yorkes Peninsula Coastal Wilderness Tour from Adelaide: $1,900
- 5-Day Flinders Ranges & Outback Eco Tour from Adelaide: $2,240
- 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $61
- Adelaide Central Market Delicious Lunch Tour: $129
- Adelaide Central Market Discovery Tour: $68
- Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $126
- Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $47
- Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $59
- Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $54
- Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour: $95
- Adelaide Gaol Adults Ghost Tour & Investigation: $29
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $5,159
- Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure: $163
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAdelaide $23Whitsundays $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:
- River Torrens Desserts And Wine Tour: $44
- McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $60
- McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $62
- Highlights, Hahndorf, & McLaren Vale Wine Tastings: $81
- Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $90
- From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $103
- The Barossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch: $115
- Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $118
- Barossa Valley Wine Tours - Small Private Groups : $125
- McLaren Vale Wine Tour by Bike: $132
- Barossa and Hahndorf Day Trip from Adelaide Including Wine Tasting and Lunch: $132
- Adelaide Hills Wine Tour: $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Whitsundays. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Adelaide is cooler than Whitsundays in the summer. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Whitsundays during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
Whitsundays receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryAdelaide 22°C (72°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Adelaide or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Whitsundays. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Adelaide is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adelaide in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. 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 Whitsundays. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Whitsundays. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilAdelaide 18°C (64°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Adelaide or Whitsundays in the Winter?
Both Whitsundays and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Adelaide is generally cooler than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 11°C (52°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyAdelaide 11°C (52°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Adelaide or Whitsundays in the Spring?
Both Whitsundays and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches.
Adelaide is cooler than Whitsundays in the spring. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun.
Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Whitsundays. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberAdelaide 16°C (61°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Adelaide
| Adelaide | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 12°C (54°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (56°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 18°C (65°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (69°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.