A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Perth vs. Canberra for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Perth or Canberra?

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

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Perth and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Canberra?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Canberra than Perth. While Perth is larger than Canberra, Canberra has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Canberra is very popular for its food, hiking, and big city activities, while Perth attracts visitors for its beaches. Perth is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also well known for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Perth different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Perth or Canberra.

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 Canberra can be an interesting and educational experience. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Canberra 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 Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Perth and Canberra.

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 Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Perth or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Perth is terrific for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Perth. 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.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Canberra Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Canberra?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Canberra both offer plenty of nice 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.

Canberra offers some nice shopping areas. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Perth or Canberra Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Canberra.

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.

Canberra is a very kid-friendly city. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Perth or Canberra Better for Couples?

Both Perth and Canberra are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Perth is a nice destination for couples. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Canberra makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Perth or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Perth or Canberra Better for Students?

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

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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 Canberra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth and Canberra 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.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Perth or Canberra a more walkable city?

Perth and Canberra are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Perth?

How long in Perth or Canberra?

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

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

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

One day in Perth or Canberra?

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.

In Canberra, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Canberra?

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.

Canberra is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Canberra. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Canberra?

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 cultural destination of Canberra. 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 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Perth and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Perth or Canberra?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Canberra. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Canberra. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Canberra. The autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In April, Perth is generally a little warmer than Canberra. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 19°C (67°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Canberra. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Canberra. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Perth for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Perth is around the same temperature as Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Perth in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Perth usually gets less rain in October than Canberra. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Perth