A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Orlando for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Brisbane or Orlando?

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 Brisbane and Orlando can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Brisbane and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Orlando?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brisbane than Orlando. Brisbane is bigger than Orlando, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brisbane is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, and resorts. Orlando is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Brisbane different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Orlando?

Brisbane is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Brisbane offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Brisbane is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Brisbane is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Brisbane or Orlando? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orlando is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is great for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Orlando is a perfect choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Brisbane is considered a top beach destination. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a popular place for hiking. However, Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Orlando is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Orlando?

If you're looking to go shopping, Brisbane and Orlando both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Brisbane does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Orlando is a top place to visit during Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Brisbane does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Couples?

Both Brisbane and Orlando are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Orlando is a nice destination for couples. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Brisbane is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Students?

Brisbane is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Brisbane is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Orlando is a good coastal city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Is Brisbane or Orlando Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brisbane is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Brisbane or Orlando a more walkable city?

Brisbane is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Orlando is not a walkable coastal city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Orlando Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Orlando?

Both Brisbane and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orlando than in Brisbane. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Orlando 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 Brisbane.

One day in Brisbane or Orlando?

In Brisbane, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Orlando offers food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Brisbane or Orlando?

In Brisbane, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brisbane has to offer.

Orlando 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orlando, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Orlando?

Brisbane is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Brisbane or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Orlando is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orlando has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Orlando?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane and Orlando, 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 Brisbane or Orlando?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Orlando has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Brisbane is cooler than Orlando. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brisbane in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Orlando averages at about 82°F (28°C)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In January, Brisbane usually receives less rain than Orlandoin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brisbane or Orlando in the Autumn?

Both Orlando and Brisbane during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In April, Brisbane is generally around the same temperature as Orlandoin October. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 22°C (71°F), and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets more rain in April than Orlandoin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Orlando in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Orlando. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Brisbane is around the same temperature as Orlando in the winter. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C)in January.

In July, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Orlandoin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brisbane or Orlando in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Orlando. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Brisbane is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brisbane in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Orlando averages at about 72°F (22°C)in April.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Orlandoin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Brisbane