A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Melbourne vs. Hobart for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Melbourne or Hobart?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart? 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.

Where Should I go: Melbourne or Hobart?

Melbourne

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.

Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. It is small compared to the mainland's larger cities and has a cooler climate with four distinct seasons. Hobart is also the second oldest capital, behind Sydney, with remnants of its past visible in old sandstone warehouses now home to cafes and galleries, as well as a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages.

Which city is cheaper, Hobart or Melbourne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $182, while the average daily cost in Hobart is $137. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Melbourne and Hobart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Melbourne $123
    Hobart $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Melbourne $246
    Hobart $156
Compare Hotels in Melbourne and Hobart

Looking for a hotel in Melbourne or Hobart? 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 Melbourne


Hotels in Hobart


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: Melbourne Hotel Prices and Hobart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Melbourne $20
    Hobart $29
Typical Local Transportation prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    $11
  • Tram Ride
    $2.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

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

  • Private Transfer: Melbourne to Moorabbin Airport (MBW): $622
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $333
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $319
  • Private 24 Seat Mini Bus CBD to Melbourne Airport Transfer: $276
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $246
  • Private 13 Seat Mini Bus CBD to Melbourne Airport Transfer: $236
  • Private Transfer: Melbourne to Avalon International Airport (AVV): $212
  • Melbourne Airport Transfers: Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Car: $144
  • Melbourne Airport Transfers: $137
  • Avalon Airport Transfers: $135
  • Departure Private Transfers: Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Van: $131
  • Melbourne Airport Transfers: Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Van: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Melbourne or Hobart?

Prices for flights to both Hobart and Melbourne 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
    Melbourne $31
    Hobart $29
Typical Food prices in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.66
  • Pizza
    $4.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

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

  • The Eynesbury Homestead: Dinner and 1.5-Hour Ghost Tour: $54
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $63
  • Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Class: $72
  • Spice Factory 3-Hour Indian Cooking Class: $90
  • Private Australian Cooking Class in Melbourne using Native Produce: $125
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Melbourne Private Food Tour: $131
  • Vegan Cooking Class: $146
  • Private Modern Australian Cooking Class with a Professional Chef in Melbourne: $166
  • Private Market Tour and Australian Cooking Class with a Local Chef in her Home: $203
  • [PRIVATE TOUR] Best Of Melbourne Food Tours: $462

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hobart

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

  • East Coast Splendour Gourmet Food Tour: $233
  • From East Coast Splendor Gourmet Food Tour: $252
  • Highlights Of Gourmet Food Tour: $258
  • Agrarian Kitchen Eatery and Derwent Valley Gourmet Food Tour: $261

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Melbourne $28
    Hobart $23

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • '56 Chevrolet 3-Hour Bespoke Melbourne Classic Car Private Tour (4 person): $379
  • '56 Chevrolet 6-Hour Bespoke Melbourne Classic Car Private Tour (4 person): $683
  • '56 Chevrolet 6-Hour Dandenong Ranges Classic Car Private Tour (4 person): $683
  • '56 Chevrolet 6-Hour Yarra Valley Indulgence Classic Car Private Tour (4 person): $683
  • 12 Apostles Eco-Friendly Great Ocean Road Iconic Adventure from Melbourne: $119
  • 12 Apostles and Shipwreck Coast Express Private Tour: $375
  • 2 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Great Ocean Road: $1,276
  • 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour and Platypus paddle: $351
  • 2 Day Great Ocean Road Tour from Melbourne: $210
  • 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour Roundtrip from Melbourne: $257
  • 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Tour from Melbourne: $217
  • 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour with Penguin Parade: $348

Tours and Activities in Hobart

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

  • 2-Day Tas East Coast Escape Tour including Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay & Devils: $241
  • 2-Day: Hiking Tour: Maria Island & Mount Field: $312
  • 2-Day: Hobart Hiking Tour: Cape Raoul and Mount Field - Tarn Shelf: $191
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Hobart: $30
  • 3 Day Tasmanian Wild West Coast Tour from Hobart to Launceston: $379
  • 3 Hours Guided Walking Tour in Hobart with Cafe Tasting: $162
  • 3-Day Tasmania Combo: Hobart to Launceston Active Tour Including Port Arthur, Freycinet National Park and Cradle Mountain: $328
  • 3-Day West Coast Tasmania Tour from Hobart Including Cradle Mountain, Montezuma Falls and Strahan: $365
  • 3-Day: Hobart Nature Walking Tour: Maria Island, Cape Raoul & Mount Field: $391
  • 4-Day Fabulous Tasmania Tour: Wineglass Bay, Port Arthur, Devils & Bruny Island: $470
  • 5 Day 4 Night Guided Tasmania Tour: $837
  • 5-Day Best of Tasmania Tour from Hobart: $603

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Melbourne $17
    Hobart $15
Typical Alcohol prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $5.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Bar Hunt: Melbourne Breakout Bar Crawl: $12
  • Melbourne CBD Pub Crawl: $16
  • Carlton Brewhouse Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $24
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour from Melbourne: $78
  • Hops and Barrels- Hop on Hop off Wine Tour Mornington Peninsula.: $83
  • Small-Group Guided Yarra Valley Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $104
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Local Harvest Tastings from Melbourne: $115
  • Yarra Valley Local Produce and Wine Tasting Tour: $115
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $115
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour Departing from Melbourne: $118
  • Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour Including Wine Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $118
  • Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Food and Wine Tour: $134

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour: $30
  • Tasmania's Domaine Simha Wine Tasting Experience: $47
  • Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Cascade Brewery Tour: $51
  • Hobart Brewery Walking Tour: $111
  • Tasmanian Wine Tour: $118
  • 7- 8 Hour StelaVino Guided Wine Tours From Hobart: $187
  • From Tasmanian Whisky Distillery Tour: $216
  • Tasmanian Whisky Distillery Tour: $236

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Melbourne or Hobart?

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 Melbourne or Hobart in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Hobart.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Hobart in the summer. The temperature in Melbourne is usually 20°C (68°F) in January, and Hobart stays around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Hobart. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F) 
    Hobart 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Hobart.

In the autumn, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April are around 15°C (60°F), and Hobart is about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in April than Hobart. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F) 
    Hobart 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In July, Melbourne is generally around the same temperature as Hobart. Temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Hobart stays around 9°C (47°F).

Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Hobart. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F) 
    Hobart 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart in the Spring?

Both Hobart and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Hobart in the spring. The temperature in Melbourne is usually 14°C (57°F) in October, and Hobart stays around 13°C (55°F).

In Hobart, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hobart. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Melbourne 14°C (57°F) 
    Hobart 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Hobart and Melbourne

Melbourne Hobart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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Melbourne vs. Hobart Travel Comparison

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