A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Melbourne for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Okinawa or Melbourne?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Okinawa and Melbourne. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Okinawa and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Okinawa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Melbourne is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Okinawa is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Okinawa is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Okinawa different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Okinawa or Melbourne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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.

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

Both Okinawa and Melbourne offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Okinawa is an experience not to be missed. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Melbourne. 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.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Both Okinawa and Melbourne are superb when it comes to partying.

Okinawa offers plenty to do in the evening. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

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.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is very popular for the beache. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Melbourne?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago 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 Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Families?

Okinawa is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Okinawa is a very family-friendly destination. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Okinawa is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Melbourne is a good archipelago for couples to visit. 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.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Okinawa and Melbourne are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for students. However, Okinawa is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit 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.

Okinawa is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Okinawa or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

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

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Melbourne?

In either Okinawa or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne than Okinawa 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 Okinawa or Melbourne?

You'll find nightlife and food around the archipelago of Okinawa. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

A weekend in Okinawa or Melbourne?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Okinawa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Okinawa or Melbourne?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic archipelago of Okinawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

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.

A week in Okinawa or Melbourne?

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Okinawa, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Melbourne, 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 Okinawa or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Okinawa or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Okinawa during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Okinawa is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Okinawa. In the summer, Okinawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein January. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Melbourne. Many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Okinawa is much warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

Okinawa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Okinawa or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Okinawa is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

In the winter, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Melbournein July. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Okinawa is generally much warmer than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Okinawa