A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

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 Kanazawa and Gold Coast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a high energy, fun-filled, and glamourous coastline. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Gold Coast travel costs.

Kanazawa and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gold Coast. Although Kanazawa and Gold Coast are about the same size, Gold Coast has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Gold Coast is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Kanazawa is more popular for its historical sights. Gold Coast is more touristy than Kanazawa and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Kanazawa different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Gold Coast.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Gold Coast can be an interesting and educational experience. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

Is the Food Better in Kanazawa or Gold Coast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kanazawa and Gold Coast offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Gold Coast. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Gold Coast is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Gold Coast is a perfect choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Gold Coast is a very popular vacation destination. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Gold Coast does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Gold Coast does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Gold Coast for the hiking trails. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kanazawa and Gold Coast both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Gold Coast is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Gold Coast is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is very popular for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Gold Coast has plenty to offer. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Gold Coast. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Gold Coast is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Gold Coast is not popular with students.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Gold Coast is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Kanazawa has a few public transit options. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Kanazawa or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its walkability.

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Gold Coast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

Both Kanazawa and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Kanazawa 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Kanazawa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanazawa, one day is sufficent for most.

The coastline of Gold Coast offers museums and nightlife. 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 Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kanazawa, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Gold Coast 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 Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

Kanazawa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

Kanazawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast has to offer. This coastline offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Gold Coast, we can see that Kanazawa 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. Even though Kanazawa is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Gold Coast, 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 Kanazawa or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Kanazawa or Gold Coast in the Summer?

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

In July, Kanazawa is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 26°C (78°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

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

Kanazawa is cooler than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin April. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Gold Coast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Gold Coast. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In the winter, Kanazawa is much colder than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanazawa in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Gold Coast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Gold Coast. Additionally, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 12°C (54°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the spring, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin October. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Kanazawa