Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Brisbane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Brisbane or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Brisbane or Whitsundays?
Brisbane
Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrisbane $131Whitsundays $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $131, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $132. 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 Brisbane and Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrisbane $81Whitsundays $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrisbane $162Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brisbane $17Whitsundays $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
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Airtrain to the City$9.73
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Go Card$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $298
- Private Transfers to Airports and Sporting Events: $298
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 3 people: $258
- Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $206
- Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $206
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $184
- Private Airport Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to South Gold Coast 1-4 pax: $159
- Airport Transfer: Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Car: $145
- Arrival Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Van: $133
- Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise Transfers: $125
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays and Brisbane 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 dayBrisbane $31Whitsundays $30
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
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Hamburger Lunch$5.19
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Cup of Coffee$1.95
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Chinese Food Lunch$8.11
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Ice cream$3.57
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Japanese Meal$13
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Smoothie$4.22
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Japanese Soup$7.46
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Coffee & Muffin$4.54
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Morning Mint Tea$2.27
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Veggie Burger & Chips$9.08
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Bread$1.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Food Tour with Coffee, Seafood and Wine: $552
- Sunshine Coast Food Tour: $641
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: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brisbane $24Whitsundays $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Concert Tickets$13
Tours and Activities in Brisbane
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
- 1hr Animal Tour: $43
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
- 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
- Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
- Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $69
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $132
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
- Bloody Brisbane Crime Tour by Coach - Crime Tours Australia: $43
- Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
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: $4,852
- Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $192
- From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $90
- Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrisbane $50Whitsundays $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
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Evening at the Bar$9.73
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Sixpack of Beer$9.08
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Guiness Beer$5.51
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Sixpack of Beer$8.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
- XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
- XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
- Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $48
- City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
- River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $64
- Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $103
- Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $105
- Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $122
- From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $128
- Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $132
- Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $132
- Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
When comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brisbane Expensive? and Is Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Whitsundays in the Summer?
Both Whitsundays 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.
In the summer, Brisbane is around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brisbane in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during summer. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In January, Brisbane usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryBrisbane 25°C (77°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
Both Whitsundays 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.
In April, Brisbane is generally around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 22°C (71°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Whitsundays. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun.
Whitsundays gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets less rain in April than Whitsundays. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 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 AprilBrisbane 22°C (71°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Whitsundays in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Whitsundays. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.
Brisbane is around the same temperature as Whitsundays in the winter. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whitsundays during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JulyBrisbane 15°C (59°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Brisbane or Whitsundays in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Whitsundays. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Brisbane is around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brisbane in October average around 21°C (69°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 Brisbane this time of the year. In the spring, Brisbane often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun.
Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Whitsundays. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 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 OctoberBrisbane 21°C (69°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Brisbane
| Brisbane | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 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.