A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Perth vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Perth or Alice Springs?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Alice Springs can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a outdoorsy, charming, and friendly town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Perth and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Perth or Alice Springs?

Both Alice Springs and Perth have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Perth is better known for its museums and beaches, while Alice Springs is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alice Springs is more touristy than Perth and is known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Alice Springs?

Perth
Alice Springs

Perth is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.


Is the Food Better in Perth or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Perth
Alice Springs

Both Perth and Alice Springs offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Alice Springs. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Perth
Alice Springs

The vibe at night is notable in both Perth and Alice Springs.

If you're looking for night time activities Perth has a few options to choose from. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Beaches?

Perth
Alice Springs

Perth is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Perth is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.


Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Perth
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is very popular for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Alice Springs?

Perth
Alice Springs

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Alice Springs both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Perth. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Alice Springs offers some nice shopping areas. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Perth
Alice Springs

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Alice Springs.

Perth is a very family-friendly destination. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Alice Springs is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.


Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Perth
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Alice Springs is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Alice Springs is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Students?

Perth
Alice Springs

Perth is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Alice Springs is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Alice Springs is not popular with students.


Is Perth or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth
Alice Springs

Perth is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Perth or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Perth
Alice Springs

Perth and Alice Springs are notable when it comes to walkability.

Perth is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Alice Springs is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Perth?

How long in Perth or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Perth or Alice Springs. In our opinion, Perth has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Perth than Alice Springs. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alice Springs than Perth 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 Alice Springs.


  • How many days in Perth or Alice Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Perth 2-4 
    Alice Springs 2-4

One day in Perth or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the isolated destination of Perth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Alice Springs is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Perth or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the easy-going destination of Perth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Alice Springs is a fun place to experience. Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Alice Springs or Perth?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Perth is $131, while the average daily cost in Alice Springs is $95. 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 Perth and Alice Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $75
    Alice Springs $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $150
    Alice Springs $100
Compare Hotels in Perth and Alice Springs

Looking for a hotel in Perth or Alice Springs? 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 Perth


Hotels in Alice Springs


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: Perth Hotel Prices and Alice Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Perth $25
    Alice Springs $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

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

  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth : $262
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $218
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $163
  • Perth Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Perth city: $67
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $58
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Perth City Hotels to Fremantle Cruise Port : $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alice Springs

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

  • Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) Coach Transfer: $123
  • Uluru to Alice Springs or Alice to Uluru 1-Way Luxe Transfer: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Alice Springs?

Prices for flights to both Alice Springs and Perth 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
    Perth $36
    Alice Springs $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

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

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $68
  • American BBQ Food Tour: $78
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise with Beverages: $111
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $114
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $114
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience a Small Group Tour: $117
  • Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $127

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alice Springs

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

  • From Day Trip to Uluru with BBQ Dinner: $219
  • Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner: $225

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Alice Springs $14

Tours and Activities in Perth

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

  • 1 Day Margaret River Sightseeing Tour from Perth: $133
  • 1 Hour Quad Bike Tours, only 30 minutes from Perth: $87
  • 1/2 day Swan Valley Wine Cheese & Chocolate Tour Inc Afternoon Cruise to Perth: $87
  • 2 Hour Whale-Watching Cruise : $44
  • 2 Hours Whale Watching Tour in Fremantle: $50
  • Adventure Rottnest Tour with Ferry & Adventure Cruise: $102
  • BEST OF FREMANTLE WALKING TOUR: History, Art and Culture: $39
  • Best of Fremantle 2-Hour Walking Tour: $30
  • Best of Rotto Self-Guided Tour with Bike and Lunch: $97
  • City Tour Perth & Fremantle & Swan River: $124
  • Cliffs and Caves Kayak Tour in Swan River: $59
  • Coffee, Culture, and Art Tour of Perth: $33

Tours and Activities in Alice Springs

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

  • A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs: $94
  • Alice Springs Camel Tour: $57
  • Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket: $27
  • Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour: $21
  • Alice Springs Highlights Tour : $97
  • West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Tour: $121
  • Alice Town And Country Half Day Sunset Tour - Small Group: $127
  • Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group: $123
  • Australia’s Red Centre: A Self-Guided West Macs Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Best of Alice Springs Full Day Tour: $158
  • East MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group: $228
  • East MacDonnell Ranges Tour -Small Group: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.44
    Alice Springs $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Perth Bar Crawl: $13
  • Little Creatures Brewery Tours : $17
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $62
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $62
  • Swan Valley Boutique Wine Tour: Half-Day Small Group Experience: $64
  • Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: $64
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $66
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $68
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $91
  • Small-Group Gin Distillery Tour in Perth: $91
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $108
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $108

Typical Alcohol Prices in Alice Springs

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


  • Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
    $4.56


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

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


Which is Bigger, Perth or Alice Springs?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Alice Springs, 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.