A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Nelson for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Perth or Nelson?

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

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Perth travel costs.

Nelson

Nelson is a adventure-filled, natural, and beautiful city. Nelson is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nelson travel costs.

Perth and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Nelson?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nelson than Perth. While Perth is larger than Nelson, Nelson has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nelson is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Perth is known for its museums and attractions. Nelson is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. It is also home to Abel Tasman National Park. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

Nelson 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 Nelson. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

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 Nelson Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Perth and Nelson.

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 Nelson. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Perth or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Perth and Nelson are amazing choices for a beach vacation.

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.

The beaches in Nelson are among the best in the world. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Is Perth or Nelson Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Nelson specifically for its hiking. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Nelson?

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

Nelson offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Perth or Nelson More Beautiful?

Nelson is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nelson is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful outdoor environments.

Perth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Perth or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Nelson is one of the most popular family destinations. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

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.

Is Perth or Nelson Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Nelson has plenty to offer. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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 Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Nelson. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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 Nelson Better for Students?

Perth is a city with good options for students. However, Nelson is not popular with 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.

Nelson is not popular with students.

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

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

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Perth or Nelson a more walkable city?

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

Nelson is very walkable. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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 Nelson Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Perth?

How long in Perth or Nelson?

In either Perth or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson than Perth because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

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

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

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

One day in Perth or Nelson?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nelson, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this adventure-filled destination offers. 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 Nelson?

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nelson. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Nelson?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nelson is a fun place to experience. In Nelson, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or Nelson?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sunny destination of Perth. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the adventure-filled destination of Nelson. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Nelson?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nelson. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Nelson, 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.