A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Sydney for Food, Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Bali or Sydney?

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 Sydney can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a stunning, tropical, and lush island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bali and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Sydney?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney than Bali, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sydney is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Bali is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Bali is more touristy than Sydney and is known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House.

How is Bali different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bali is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Both Bali and Sydney are terrific when it comes to partying.

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.

Sydney is a must-see party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Resorts?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Sydney is not a resort destination.

Bali offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Bali specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Bali and Sydney are terrific 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 Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Hiking?

You'll find excellent hiking in both Bali and Sydney.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Sydney?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bali. 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.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bali. 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.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Couples?

Both Bali and Sydney are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali 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.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bali and Sydney are terrific destinations for backpackers.

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.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Bali or Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is a must-visit destination for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sydney has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Bali has some 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.

Is Bali or Sydney a more walkable city?

Sydney is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Sydney is a very walkable city. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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 Sydney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Bali?

How long in Bali or Sydney?

Both Bali and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sydney has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sydney than Bali. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sydney.

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

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

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

One day in Bali or Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bali. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sydney is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sydney?

Bali is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sydney is a energetic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the spiritual destination of Bali. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Sydney is a diverse city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sydney, we can see that Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bali or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sydney during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Sydneyin January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bali as well as Sydney. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bali is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin April. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin April. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Sydneyin April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.

Should I visit Bali or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bali is much warmer than Sydney in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. Bali usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Bali or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney and Bali during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bali. In the spring, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin October. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in April than Sydneyin October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Bali