A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Sado for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Melbourne or Sado?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Sado? 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Melbourne travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a cultural, off-the-beaten-path, and traditional island. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Sado travel costs.

Melbourne and Sado: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Melbourne or Sado?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Melbourne and Sado are popular destinations, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Melbourne is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Sado attracts visitors for its hiking. Melbourne is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Sado is famous for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Melbourne different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Sado?

Melbourne
Sado

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Melbourne and Sado.

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Many visitors head to Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.


Is the Food Better in Melbourne or Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne
Sado

Both Melbourne and Sado offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Dining out in Sado is an experience not to be missed. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Melbourne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Beaches?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne is notable for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Sado is not a beach destination.


Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Hiking?

Melbourne
Sado

Sado is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Sado?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Melbourne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Families?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Sado is a family-friendly city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.


Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Couples?

Melbourne
Sado

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Sado make for a nice place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Sado is a good city for couples to visit. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne and Sado are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Students?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for students. However, Sado is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Sado is not popular with students.


Is Melbourne or Sado Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne is notable for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Melbourne can move around easily with public transportation. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Melbourne or Sado a more walkable city?

Melbourne
Sado

Melbourne is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Sado Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Sado?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Sado. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Sado. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sado.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne than Sado 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 Melbourne.


  • How many days in Melbourne or Sado? Ideal Length of Stay
    Melbourne 2-5 
    Sado 2-3

One day in Melbourne or Sado?

Melbourne is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Sado. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Melbourne or Sado?

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Sado. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Sado?

Melbourne is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path island of Sado. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Sado?

The friendly city of Melbourne offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Sado is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sado or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne is $195, while the average daily cost in Sado is $82. 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 Melbourne and Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Melbourne $119
    Sado $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Melbourne $238
    Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Melbourne and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Melbourne or Sado? 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 Sado


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 Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Melbourne $20
    Sado $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

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


  • Airport Bus
    $10
  • Tram Ride
    $2.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

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

  • Melbourne Airport: Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $16
  • Express Bus Transfer to or from Melbourne City Center: $19
  • Melbourne CBD to Melbourne Airport Private Transfer 4 or more: $32
  • Melbourne Airport(Tullamarine): Shared Transfer to Melbourne: $32
  • MEL Airport to CBD Private transfers 4 or more: $33
  • Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airport: Shared Transfer to Melbourne: $33
  • MEL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $40
  • Melbourne Airport Private Transfer to City: $44
  • Transfer Melbourne Airport MEL to City Centre/St Kilda/Hawthorne: $45
  • Airport to City Private Transfer (One-way): $66
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne HTL-APT (MEL): $69
  • Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Melbourne or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado 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 $53
    Sado $42
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne

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


  • Coffee
    $2.62
  • Pizza
    $4.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

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

  • Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
  • Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $51
  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $53
  • Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $54
  • Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $81
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
  • Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
  • Carlton a Little Italy Dinner Tour: $93
  • Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Melbourne $27
    Sado $8.74

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

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

  • Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.81
  • Melbourne (St Kilda) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.41
  • Melbourne City Centre Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Melbourne Vampire Quest: Self-Guided Gothic Adventure: $7.20
  • Melbourne Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.92
  • Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.92
  • Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.92
  • Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Upside Down House Photo Experience in Australia: $13
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $13

Tours and Activities in Sado

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:

  • Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Melbourne $17
    Sado $69
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
    $5.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

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

  • Melbourne Christmas Bar Crawl: $15
  • Melbourne Pub Crawl (Batmania Tours): $19
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $24
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
  • MELBOURNE Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Tour: $26
  • Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
  • Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc: $87
  • New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
  • Cruise Ship Friendly Yarra Valley Wine Tour with Port Pickup: $114
  • Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $116
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch & Gin/Beer Option: $129


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

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



When is the best time to visit Melbourne or Sado?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Sado in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Sado. The summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In January, Melbourne is generally cooler than Sadoin July. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Sadoin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Sadoin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Melbourne 20°C (68°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in October.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Sadoin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Melbourne 15°C (60°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sado in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sado can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Melbourne is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F)in January.

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Sadoin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Sadoin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Melbourne 9°C (49°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Melbourne or Sado in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Sado. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In October, Melbourne is generally a little warmer than Sadoin April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Sado during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Sadoin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Melbourne 14°C (57°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Melbourne

Melbourne Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 19°C (65°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 10°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 12°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)