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

Should you visit Perth or Cardiff?

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

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Perth and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Cardiff?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cardiff than Perth. While Perth is larger than Cardiff, Cardiff has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cardiff is very popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Perth attracts visitors for its museums, food, and beaches. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Cardiff is famous for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle.

How is Perth different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Perth offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Perth is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Perth or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Perth or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Perth is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Cardiff?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Cardiff 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.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Perth or Cardiff Better for Families?

Perth is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Perth or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Perth is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Perth or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Perth or Cardiff Better for Students?

For students, both Perth and Cardiff are nice places to visit.

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.

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Perth is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Perth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Perth or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Perth and Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable place. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Perth?

How long in Perth or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Perth and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Perth than in Cardiff. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Perth than Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

In Perth, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this up-and-coming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Perth or Cardiff?

In Perth, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Perth has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

Perth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Perth or Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Cardiff?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Perth is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cardiff has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Perth or Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Perth as well as Cardiff. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Perth is a little warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Perth in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the summer, Perth often gets more sunshine than Cardiffin July. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in January than Cardiffin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In April, Perth is generally much warmer than Cardiffin October. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 19°C (67°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. In April, Perth usually receives less rain than Cardiffin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Perth or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Perth during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. Perth is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in January.

In the winter, Perth often gets more sunshine than Cardiffin January. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually gets more rain in July than Cardiffin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Cardiff. Many travelers come to Perth for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Perth is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Perth in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F)in April.

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Perth usually receives more rain than Cardiffin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Perth