A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Byron Bay for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Bali or Byron Bay?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Byron Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a vegan-friendly, carefree, and Bohemian town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Bali and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Byron Bay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bali than Byron Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bali is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Byron Bay is more popular for its museums & sights and small town charm. Bali is more touristy than Byron Bay and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Byron Bay is well known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals.

How is Bali different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bali or Byron Bay?

Byron Bay is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Byron Bay offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bali or Byron Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bali have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

Byron Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Byron Bay has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Bali is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

There are plenty of resorts in Byron Bay to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Byron Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Bali is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Byron Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Bali and Byron Bay are amazing choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

The beaches in Byron Bay are among the best in the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

Bali is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Byron Bay?

Both Bali and Byron Bay are superb shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Byron Bay. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Bali is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly island. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Bali is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Byron Bay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

Is Bali or Byron Bay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bali is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Bali has a few public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Bali or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Byron Bay is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Bali?

How long in Bali or Byron Bay?

Both Bali and Byron Bay have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Byron Bay. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-7 days is enough time in Byron Bay.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali than Byron Bay 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 Bali.

One day in Bali or Byron Bay?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Bali. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Byron Bay. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Byron Bay?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the tropical destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Byron Bay is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Byron Bay?

You'll find nightlife and food around the spiritual island of Bali. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the mellow destination of Byron Bay. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Byron Bay?

Bali is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bali, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the vegan-friendly town of Byron Bay. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Byron Bay?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Byron Bay, 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 Bali or Byron Bay?

Byron Bay has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Byron Bay in the Summer?

Both Byron Bay and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bali is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.

Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Byron Bay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Byron Bay. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

Bali is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.

Bali usually gets less rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Bali