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

Should you visit Perth or Auckland?

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 Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Perth travel costs.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

Perth and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Auckland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Auckland than Perth. While Perth is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Perth attracts visitors for its beaches. Auckland is more touristy than Perth and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Perth or Auckland.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Auckland is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Perth or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Auckland for the nightlife scene. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. 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.

Is Perth or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Perth is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Is Perth or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Auckland?

Auckland is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Perth or Auckland Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Auckland.

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.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly city. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Perth or Auckland Better for Couples?

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

Auckland is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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 Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Auckland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

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

Perth and Auckland both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Auckland has a few public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Perth or Auckland a more walkable city?

Perth is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

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

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Perth?

How long in Perth or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Perth and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Perth than in Auckland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland 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 Auckland.

One day in Perth or Auckland?

The city of Perth offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Auckland has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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 Auckland?

Perth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Perth, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Auckland?

Perth is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Auckland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Auckland. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Auckland?

Perth is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Perth and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Auckland?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Auckland, 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 Perth or Auckland?

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 Perth or Auckland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Auckland. The summer months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the summer, Perth is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Perth in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auckland this time of the year. In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Auckland. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Auckland. The shopping scene are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In April, Perth is generally a little warmer than Auckland. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 19°C (67°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the autumn, Perth often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in April than Auckland. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Auckland in the Winter?

Both Auckland and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Perth is a little warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Perth usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Auckland. It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Auckland. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Perth in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Perth is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Perth in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Perth. In the spring, Perth often gets more sunshine than Auckland. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in October than Auckland. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Perth