A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melaka vs. Sydney for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Melaka or Sydney?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Melaka or Sydney, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Melaka or Sydney?

Melaka

Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney or Melaka?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Melaka is $33, while the average daily cost in Sydney is $218. 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 Melaka and Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Melaka $9.67
    Sydney $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Melaka $19
    Sydney $216
Compare Hotels in Melaka and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Melaka or Sydney? 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.

Hotels in Melaka


Hotels in Sydney


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: Melaka Hotel Prices and Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Melaka $2.12
    Sydney $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $4.83
  • Bus Ride
    $0.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka

Also for Melaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Ipoh Transfer [Van]: $98
  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuala Besut Transfer [Van]: $118
  • Malacca City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $43
  • Malacca City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $43
  • Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $170
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Johor Bahru city: $245
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Shah Alam City: $233
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Port to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL): $64
  • Sit Back & Relax - Malacca to KLIA Airport MPV Transfer: $191
  • ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $284
  • ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $81

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $14
  • Taxi to Airport
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • From Special Event, Festival or Conference Transfers: $661
  • Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer: $363
  • From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $355
  • Private City, Harbour, and Bondi Tour with Transfer: $274
  • Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney CBD/Downtown to Sydney Airport 1-11 people: $253
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $253
  • Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $251
  • Private Transfer from Sydney City Hotels to Newcastle Cruise Port: $245
  • Private Transfer - Sydney Airport (SYD) to Newcastle Cruise Port: $245
  • Sydney Airport Transfers: $183
  • Luxury Van - Sydney Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Melaka or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney and Melaka 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Melaka $21
    Sydney $81
Typical Food Prices in Melaka

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:


  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $7.25
  • Dinner at the Market (for Two)
    $3.14
  • Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)
    $1.45
  • Taiwanese Noodle Soup
    $1.21
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $7.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka

For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Melaka Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Rempah Routes Melaka Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Small Group Melaka After Dark Food Tour: $76
  • Private Traditional Peranakan & Malay Cooking Class in Melaka: $95

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.76
  • Lunch Special
    $10
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $10
  • Meat Pies
    $3.45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sydney.

  • Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Vivid Sydney Dinner Cruises: $46
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
  • Sydney Harbour Discovery Dinner Cruise Scenic Sights and Buffet: $53
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $63
  • Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $73

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Melaka $4.10
    Sydney $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka

For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Maritime Museum Entrance
    $0.73
  • Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance
    $4.83
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $11
  • Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance
    $2.42
  • Melaka Zoo Entrance
    $1.69
  • Low Cost Kite
    $0.73
  • Malacca Duck Tour
    $9.67
  • Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)
    $2.42

Tours and Activities in Melaka

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.

  • Melaka UNESCO City Guided Walking Tour: $5.04
  • Malaysia: Melaka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $7.14
  • Malaysia Melaka - Breakout Escape Game E-Ticket: $12
  • Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
  • Malaysia: A'famosa Melaka Ticket: $17
  • From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
  • Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
  • Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
  • Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
  • Malacca To Kuala Lumpur EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
  • Small Group Melaka Flavours Food and Culture Tour: $76
  • Private Half-Day Melaka Walking Tour: $82

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $31
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $32
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $131
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • #1 Blue Mountains Tour Scenic World Waterfalls Wildlife Park: $188
  • 1 Day Perisher Snow Tour: $133
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Adventure: $119
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour: $133
  • 1/2 day Sydney Sightseeing and Bondi Beach Tour: $45
  • 14-Day Sydney to Cairns, Fraser, Whitsundays Comfort Tour: $5,614
  • 2 Hour Private Surf Lesson Experience in Wollongong: $155
  • 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Sydney Harbour National Park: $41
  • 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
  • 30 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Tour: $238
  • 30-Minute Sydney Harbour and Olympic Park Helicopter Tour: $236

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Melaka $8.38
    Sydney $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sydney:

  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl: $28
  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Sydney The Rocks Historical Pub Tour: $84
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $109
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
  • From All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $155
  • Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 3 Tastings and Garden Lunch: $155


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melaka and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melaka 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 Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Melaka.

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


Which is Bigger, Melaka or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Melaka. When comparing the sizes of Melaka 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.