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

Should you visit Perth or Dunedin?

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

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Perth travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a hilly, cultural, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Dunedin travel costs.

Perth and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Dunedin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dunedin than Perth. While Perth is larger than Dunedin, Dunedin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dunedin is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Perth is more popular for its beaches. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Dunedin is well known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. Also, Dunedin is famous for .

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How is Perth different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Dunedin can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

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

Both Perth and Dunedin 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 Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Perth or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Dunedin for the nightlife scene. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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 Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Perth is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Perth or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Dunedin?

Dunedin 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 Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

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 Dunedin Better for Families?

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

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.

Dunedin is a very kid-friendly city. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Perth or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Both Perth and Dunedin are notable 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.

Dunedin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Perth or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dunedin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Dunedin Better for Students?

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

Dunedin is very popular with students. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

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

Perth and Dunedin both offer notable 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.

Dunedin has a few public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Perth or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Dunedin is very walkable. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Perth?

How long in Perth or Dunedin?

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

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

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

One day in Perth or Dunedin?

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 Dunedin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant 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 Dunedin?

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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin?

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.

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

A week in Perth or Dunedin?

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 food and shopping around the hilly destination of Dunedin. 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 Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Dunedin?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dunedin. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Dunedin, 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.