A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Seattle for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Melbourne or Seattle?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Seattle? 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural, outdoorsy, and laid-back city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Melbourne and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Seattle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Seattle than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne is known for its beaches and shopping. Seattle is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Melbourne different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle 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 Seattle?

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

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 Seattle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Melbourne and Seattle offer very good 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 Seattle is an experience not to be missed. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Seattle.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Seattle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Seattle while you're in town. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is notable for the beach. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Seattle. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle 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 Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Seattle?

Melbourne is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Families?

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

Melbourne is known to be 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Seattle make for a good 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.

Seattle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Seattle are both good 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.

Seattle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Melbourne or Seattle Better for Students?

Melbourne is renowned for students. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a great destination for students. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Melbourne is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Melbourne offers a very effecient public transportation network. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Melbourne or Seattle a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Seattle are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Seattle?

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

Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Seattle. 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.

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

One day in Melbourne or Seattle?

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

Because Melbourne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the cultural big city of Seattle. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Seattle?

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling city of Seattle. 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 Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When comparing the travel costs between Melbourne and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Melbourne is in Pacific and Seattle is in North America, 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Seattle?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Seattle, 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 Melbourne or Seattle?

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 Seattle has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Melbourne or Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Seattle. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Seattlein July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in January than Seattlein July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In April, Melbourne is generally a little warmer than Seattlein October. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Seattlein October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Seattle because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Melbourne is much warmer than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C)in January.

In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Seattlein January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Seattlein January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Seattle. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the spring, Melbourne is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle 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 Seattle during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Seattlein April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Melbourne