A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Canberra vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Canberra or Los Angeles?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Los Angeles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a multicultural, sprawling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Canberra and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Los Angeles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Canberra, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Los Angeles is more touristy than Canberra and is known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also home to Hollywood. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Canberra or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Los Angeles are world-renowned. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is an excellent place to visit for its theatre productions. However, Canberra is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Los Angeles. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Canberra is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Canberra or Los Angeles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Los Angeles is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Los Angeles is a must-see party destination. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is terrific for its live music scene. However, Canberra is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Los Angeles. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

Los Angeles is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Los Angeles has a few good snorkeling spots. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is terrific for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Los Angeles. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Los Angeles specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Los Angeles draws large crowds to its stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Los Angeles is a very family-friendly destination. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Canberra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Los Angeles makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Los Angeles is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Los Angeles. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Canberra and Los Angeles.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Canberra or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Canberra and Los Angeles are good when it comes to walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable city. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Los Angeles?

Both Canberra and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Canberra. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Canberra 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Canberra or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse city of Canberra. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Los Angeles is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Canberra or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Canberra. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Los Angeles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Los Angeles?

The cultural city of Canberra offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Canberra or Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Los Angeles has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra and Los Angeles, 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 Canberra or Los Angeles?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Los Angeles in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Canberra is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Canberra in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 72°F (22°C)in July.

In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Los Angelesin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

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

In April, Canberra is generally around the same temperature as Los Angelesin October. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 17°C (63°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Los Angelesin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Los Angeles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Canberra is cooler than Los Angeles in the winter. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C)in January.

In July, Canberra usually receives less rain than Los Angelesin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Los Angeles. Many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Canberra is around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Canberra in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 61°F (16°C)in April.

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Los Angelesin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Canberra